Nanoscience and nanotechnology for advanced energy systems

Nanoscience and nanotechnology (N&N), and their merger with surface science, have large potential to contribute to a sustainable energy system, both through more efficient use of current energy sources and by enabling breakthrough solutions towards novel energy sources and systems. Our focus here is on three broad areas, namely light harvesting, catalysis and materials. Additional examples are mentioned more briefly. On the short term N&N will primarily impact the current energy system, based mainly on fossil fuels, by contributing to more efficient conversion and use of energy. On a longer term (decades) the contributions to a truly sustainable energy system will grow in importance.