Quantum mechanics

Engineering

Ecology

Biology

Materials science

Geothermal gradient

Energy (signal processing)

Energy harvesting

Geothermal energy

Geology

Waste management

Physics

Greenhouse gas

Nanotechnology

Renewable energy

Biofuel

Primary energy

Process engineering

Environmental science

Fossil fuel

Geophysics

Photovoltaic system

Electrical engineering

International Journal of Energy Research

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.

Renewable energy harvesting with the application of nanotechnology: A review