Nanotechnology Unfolds Futuristic Green Cars

Nanotechnology Unfolds Futuristic Green Cars

Automakers are constantly incorporating the most advanced technology in their lineup. This time around they are planning to use nanotechnology to come up with spectacular vehicles. Two of the most sought-after vehicles are Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans and Volkswagen Nanospyder.

Recently, automakers have unleashed their environment-friendly concept cars that are expected to be manufactured using nanotechnology. The latter is a technology of building tiny machines using functional systems at a molecular scale. According to experts, nanotechnology, in its original sense, means projected ability to assemble items from the bottom up, utilizing techniques and tools being developed these days to make complete, high performance products.

Nanotechnology works from the bottom to the inside of the machine called personal nanofactories (PNs). Using mechanochemistry, nanotechnology will facilitate control at the nanometer scale. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Basically, it is about the width of 3 to 4 atoms.

One of the striking future cars presented is FCX 2020 Le Mans from Acura. Said car is envisioned to be powered by advanced auto parts from the automaker. It will also be using Honda car accessories to boost its ergonomics and comfort.

Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans appears like a Batmobile. The difference is that it uses lightweight and recyclable materials. Moreover, it is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain that makes it an environment-friendly car. Its molecular nanotechnology made it lighter and more manageable than present day cars.

Another viable future car is Volkswagen Nanospyder. The captivating car is made up billions of spore-like nanobots. The car is inclusive of mouth, eyeballs and other Volkswagen car accessories including tiny logos.

One of the exciting features of this VW Nanospyder is the ability of its lead bots to pick up impending collisions. Aside from that, the information can be sent away to support particular sections of the car.

Analysts in the auto industry are expecting a greener car future because of nanotechnology. In fact, there have been interesting concept cars submitted in the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show’s Design Challenge. The latter is a competition designed to cover future cars that are environment-friendly. Mechanics of the competition include originality, safety, environmentalism and relevancy to Southern California’s ‘green’ lifestyle.

Nanotechnology And Photovoltaics Trends & Market Potential

Nanotechnology And Photovoltaics Trends & Market Potential

Nanotechnology, shortened to “Nanotech”, is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials or devices within that size.

Nanotechnology is very diverse, ranging from novel extensions of conventional device physics, to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, to developing new materials with dimensions on the nanoscale, even to speculation on whether we can directly control matter on the atomic scale.

Although nanotechnology is a relatively recent development in scientific research, the development of its central concepts happened over a longer period of time.

Photovoltaic (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sun energy (sunlight or sun ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years.

The coming together of these two technologies has become the talk of the town lately.

This report looks at how nanotechnology is changing the field of photovoltaic innovation.
From the basics of nanotech to the basics of photovoltaic, this report looks at how nanotech is making possible new developments in the solar PV industry.

Table Of Contents :

Executive Summary 5

What You Need to Know about Nanotechnology 6
Introduction 6
History of Nanotechnology 6
Basic Concept 10
What are Nanomaterials? 10
What is Molecular Self-Assembly? 11
Molecular Nanotechnology 11
Techniques Utilized in Nanotechnology 13
Applications of Nanotechnology 15
Medicine 15
Chemistry and the Environment 16
Energy 17
IT and Communications 17
Consumer Goods 18
Aerospace 18
Constructions 19
Implications of Nanotechnology 19
Health and Safety in Terms of Nanoparticles 19
Environmental Issues 20

What You Need to Know about Photovoltaics 22
Introduction 22
Present-Day Industry Overview 23
Global Market 23
Applications of PV 24
Stand Alone PV Systems 25
Photovoltaic Power Station 25
PV in Buildings 26
Photovoltaics with Battery Storage 27
Concept of PV Storage 27
Rural Electrification 28
Connecting Generators with PV 28
Utilities with a Grid-Connected PV System 28
Hybrid Power Systems 30
Distributed Generation and PV 30
Economics of PV 31
Financial Incentives for PV 32
Environmental Impacts 34
Advantages and Disadvantages of PV 34

Nanotech and PV 37
Use of Nanotechnology in the Energy Industry 37
Nanotechnology and Solar Power 40
Nanolayers in Stack Cells 43
Quantum Dots for Solar Cells 43
New Materials for Photovoltaics 44

Research in Nanotechnology Usage in PV 46

Major Players 50
Nanosolar 50
NanoGram 52
HelioVolt Corporation 53
Konarka Technologies, Inc 54
SunFlake AS 56

Appendix 58

Glossary 65

List of Figures and Tables

Figures

Figure 1: Hybrid Power Systems 30
Figure 2: Diagram of a Nano Solar Cell 41
Figure 3: Processability of Nanomaterials (High Productivity Possible through Printing
Processes) 44
Figure 4: Activity and Diversity of Top 10 Countries in Nanotechnology Thin-film Solar
Cells Publications 49
Figure 5: Parabolic Trough 58
Figure 6: Central Receiver or Solar Tower 58
Figure 7: Parabolic Dish 59
Figure 8: Photovoltaic Roof System 59