What is it about?

Energy materials (EMs) have attracted the interest of researchers due to the vast usage of EMs in energy-based applications such as energy conversion and energy storage. The researchers are focusing on the development of EMs by understanding the EM characteristics and architectures towards the production of high-efficiency devices at low cost. The EMs can be categorized into zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) materials. Each class of architecture of EMs can be useful in different classes of applications, such as batteries, supercapacitors, photovoltaic cells, fuel cells, water electrolysis, hydrogen storage, carbon capture and storage, piezoelectric, and thermoelectric.

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Why is it important?

Scientists are exploring different types of new materials that come in various shapes and sizes—from tiny particles to complex 3D structures. These materials help create better, cheaper technologies that can store and produce clean energy, making a big impact on future energy systems like solar panels, batteries, and even devices that capture pollution.

Perspectives

As a researcher in the field of energy materials (EMs), I see immense potential in how these materials are transforming the way we store and convert energy. The increasing global demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions has placed EMs at the forefront of innovation. Their ability to be tailored at different dimensional levels—ranging from 0D (quantum dots) to 3D (porous structures)—gives us a powerful toolbox for designing next-generation devices. In my view, understanding the structural architectures and intrinsic properties of EMs is crucial to unlocking their full capabilities. Whether it's enhancing the performance of batteries, supercapacitors, or photovoltaic systems, or contributing to clean technologies like hydrogen storage, carbon capture, or thermoelectric energy harvesting, EMs offer versatile solutions. What excites me most is how these materials can bridge the gap between performance and affordability. By engineering EMs with specific characteristics, we can pave the way for high-efficiency, low-cost devices that are not only commercially viable but also environmentally sustainable. In short, I believe that continued research into EMs will be instrumental in building a cleaner, smarter energy future.

Muhammad Norhaffis Mustafa
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Emerging Materials for Energy Applications, January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4480-1_2-1.
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