Renewable energy harvesting with the application of nanotechnology: A review

Abstract

Summary It is believed that fossil fuel sources are exhaustible and also the major cause of greenhouse gas emission. Therefore, it is required to increase the portion of renewable energy sources in supplying the primary energy of the world. In this study, it is focused on application of nanotechnology in exploitation of renewable energy sources and the related technologies such as hydrogen production, solar cell, geothermal, and biofuel. Here, nanotechnologies influence on providing an alternative energy sources, which are environmentally benign, are comprehensively discussed and reviewed. Based on the literature, employing nanotechnology enhances the heat transfer rate in photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems and modifies PV structures, which can improve its performance, making fuel cells much cost‐effective and improving the performance of biofuel industry through utilization of nanocatalysts, manufacturing materials with high durability and lower weight for wind energy industry.

A review on the performance of photovoltaic/thermoelectric hybrid generators

“…While the efficiency of the TEG modules improves with higher temperature gradient resulting from higher concentration, high temperature causes a reduction in efficiency of the PV cells and subsequently on their lifespan. Using phase change materials (PCMs) and nanotechnology are further dimensions of recent research directions to improve the heat transfer and efficiency of the integrated PV‐TEG system . The integration of PV cells and TEG modules introduces complex relationship and trade‐offs that make the optimization of such systems very essential.…”

Progress of MWCNT, Al 2 O 3 , and CuO with water in enhancing the photovoltaic thermal system

“…These systems are inducted to increase the thermal management of the PV/T system. 17 Further, the detailed study on the nanofluids in the hot countries like India in low volume concentration is very limited; with this in mind the authors compared the effect of Al 2 O 3 , CuO and MWCNT on PV/T system. Secondly, active techniques are systems, which consist of a pump or fan to spray the fluids.…”

Synthesis and application of Fe 3 O 4 @nanocellulose/TiCl as a nanofiller for high performance of quasisolid‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells

“…There are three types of electrolytes in this regard, including liquid electrolyte (or organic solvent and ionic liquid electrolyte), quasisolid‐state electrolyte, and solid electrolyte. Because of their deep pervasion into nanocrystalline film electrodes, high efficiency, low viscosity, fast ion diffusion, and ease of designing, organic solvent electrolytes have been widely used in DSSCs . One of the main problems in the use of an organic solvent electrolyte is its low term stability, which is caused by its high‐temperature instability, low boiling point, easy evaporation, leakage, and difficulty of sealing.…”