1st Edition

Green Nanotechnology Solutions for Sustainability and Energy in the Built Environment

    484 Pages 230 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    A first step in developing a clean and sustainable future is to think differently about everyday products, in particular how they influence energy use. Green Nanotechnology: Solutions for Sustainability and Energy in the Built Environment explores the science and technology of tiny structures that have a huge potential to improve quality of life while simultaneously achieving reductions in the use of fossil fuels. This book examines energy flows in nature and how the optical properties of materials can be designed to harmonize with those flows. It then discusses the properties that can be achieved in real materials to take advantage of nature’s energy flows.

    The authors cohesively examine a number of topics, highlighting their applications and the significance of their nano features. They provide a cursory discussion of well-reviewed subjects such as nanostructured solar cells and turn their attention to timely topics such as methods for preventing excessive temperature and approaches to passive cooling. The book identifies key materials and elucidates how their properties can be understood in terms of contemporary materials physics and chemistry. It concludes with a detailed description of a scenario for future buildings that use much less energy while also providing better comfort.

    A valuable side effect of most nanotechnologies is that they inherently put us in closer touch with the natural world. With broad coverage of how nanoparticles impact energy use in the built environment, this book opens readers’ eyes to a fascinating vision of how technology and nanoscience can merge and lead to commodity-scale products that help preserve our planet.

    Green Nanotechnology: Introduction and Invitation
    What Is Nanotechnology?
    What Is Green Nanotechnology?
    Some Basic Issues in Nanoscience
    Nanoscience, Dimensionality, and Thin Films
    Outdoing Nature in Exploiting Complexity
    Energy Supply and Demand
    Energy and Development
    References

    In Harmony with the Environment: Nature’s Energy Flows and Desired Materials Properties
    Global Energy Flows
    Radiation in Our Ambience: An Overview
    Interaction Between Radiation and Materials
    Beam and Diffuse Radiation
    Hemispherical Absorptance
    Solar and Daylighting Performance Parameters
    Thermal Radiation and Spectral Properties of the Atmosphere
    Dynamical Environmental Properties
    Materials for Optimized Use of the Spectral, Directional, and Dynamical Properties of Solar Energy and Sky Radiation
    Thermal and Density Gradients in the Atmosphere and Oceans
    Performance of Energy Systems: Thermodynamics and Value
    References

    Optical Materials Science for Green Nanotechnology: The Basics
    Light and Nanostructures
    Spectral Properties of Uniform Materials
    Plasmonic Materials in General
    Materials for Electron-Based Plasmonics: Mirrors for Visible and Infrared Light
    Ionic-Based Materials with Narrow-Band Infrared Properties
    Generic Classes of Spectrally Selective Materials
    Thin Films for Controlling Spectral Properties and Local Light Intensities
    Nanoparticle Optics
    Optical Homogenization of Nanocomposites
    Surface Plasmon Resonances in Films, Particles, and “Rectennas”
    Temporary “Storage” of Light at Resonances and in Evanescent Fields
    References

    Visual Indoors–Outdoors Contact and Daylighting: Windows
    General Introduction
    Spectral Selectivity: The Potential in Energy Efficiency
    Spectral Selectivity of Noble-Metal-Based Films
    Spectral Selectivity of Oxide-Semiconductor-Based Films
    Spectral Selectivity: Novel Developments for Films and Foils
    Optimized Angular Properties: The Energy Efficiency That Is Possible
    Angular Selectivity of Films with Inclined Columnar Nanostructures
    Chromogenics: The Energy Efficiency That Is Possible
    Photochromics
    Thermochromics
    Electrochromics
    References

    Electric Lighting and Daylighting: Luminaires
    Lighting: Past, Present, and Future
    Daylighting Technology: The “Cool” Option
    Dielectric Mirrors Based on Nanostructure
    Luminescent Solar Concentrators for Daylighting and Solar Power
    Light Diffusing Transmitting Materials
    Advanced Electronic Lighting Concepts
    References

    Heat and Electricity: Solar Collectors and Solar Cells
    Solar Thermal Materials and Devices
    Photovoltaic Materials and Devices
    References 

    Coolness: High-Albedo Surfaces and Sky Cooling Devices
    Two Cooling Strategies
    City Heating, Global Cooling, and Summer Blackouts
    High-Albedo Paints for Cool Buildings
    Sky Cooling to Subambient Temperatures

    Water Condensation Using Sky Cooling
    A Role for Cooling and Waste Heat in Electric Power Generation
    Electronic Cooling and Nanotechnology
    Whither Cooling?
    References

    Supporting Nanotechnologies: Air Sensing and Cleaning, Thermal Insulation and Electrical Storage
    Air Quality and Air Sensing
    Photocatalysis for Cleaning
    Thermal Insulation with Nanomaterials
    Green Energy Storage
    References

    Conclusions: Nanotechnologies for a Sustainable Future
    Energy and the Future
    New Technologies and Growing Uptake of Proven Technologies
    Towards a “Nanoworld”
    References

    Appendix 1: Thin Film Deposition
    Appendix 2: Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols
    Index

    Biography

    Geoffrey B. Smith, Claes-Goran S. Granqvist

    Both Smith and Granqvist, the two authors of the book, are eminent optical scientists with a longstanding fondness for the visible and infrared properties of particulate composite materials. … All technoscientists, not only physicists and materials researchers, would do well to read the list of 17 characteristics that the Smith–Granqvist vision possesses. These characteristics delineate a blueprint for research directions … . Remarkable features of this book are the bridges built throughout the volume with contemporary research topics through call-out boxes. … The book is profusely illustrated, mostly in black and white but also with 10 pages of multicolored illustrations. Occasional flashes of quiet humor grace the book … . Another remarkable feature of this book is its price. …Other academic publishers should take note. …
    —Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Pennsylvania State University, Journal of Nanophotonics, Vol. 5, 2011