Enabling energy applications with nanocarbons

A discussion on energy applications of nanomaterials covers energy conversion and generation; storage, efficiency, and conservation; sensors and thermal management; nanomaterials as interfacial modifiers; use of nanomaterials in catalysis, e.g., reducing materials to nanoscale and realizing new properties by nanoscale gold (ambient temperature oxidation of CO, VOC, and potentially exhaust hydrocarbons); advances in energy storage, e.g., batteries and ultra-capacitors; role of sensors in overall system integration and control; use of nanofluids to increase thermal conductivity and reduce radiator and heat exchanger size; importance of lubrication to engine components and powertrain systems; and reducing or eliminating fretting and pitting. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 2011 AIChE Annual Meeting (Minneapolis, MN 10/16-21/2011).