Nano Energy Technology CenterNano Energy Technology Center
A. Leson, C. Schulz
CeNIDE, Universität Duisburg-EssenCeNIDE, Universität Duisburg-Essen
Background
Energy technology is one of the major challenges of the
21st century
Solution: The NanoEnergieTechnikZentrum
NETZ is an application-focused research project
Aim: Develop materials and processes which allow nanotechnology to be used in industry21st century
Nanotechnology can significantly contribute in this field
The link between nanoscience and energy technology is based
on one fundamental fact: Conversion of energy takes place at
interfaces and surfaces and therefore on the nanometer scale
Multifunctional materials for energy technology can be designed
Aim: Develop materials and processes which allow nanotechnology to be used in industry
Multifunctional materials for energy technology can be designed
based on principles and materials provided by nanotechnology
Main steps:
Cluster of nanoparticle synthesis reactors Flame reactor Hot-wall reactor Microwave plasma reactor
The availability gap
Main steps:
I. Develop processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials on an industrial scale
�A unique cluster of pilot-plant-scale gas-phase reactors for the synthesis of highly specific
nanoparticles has been installed at IUTA
�The reactors provide ample opportunities for in-situ measurements and sampling to fully
characterize the reaction processes and to provide information for the development and
validation of numerical simulation tools
So far: Insufficient research into the production of nanomaterials
in large volumes
���� Materials of interest are not available on practically validation of numerical simulation tools
II. Functionalization, dispersion, generation of hybrid materials
�Surface modification of synthesized particles is the key for the production of dispersions and
composite or hybrid materials
�Investigation if the interplay of nanoparticles, matrix materials, and dispersion strategies
���� Materials of interest are not available on practically
relevant scales
���� The suitability of nanomaterials for volume production
cannot be demonstrated
���� Industrial implementation is too risky for companies
���� Potential applications are not developed
The aim of the NanoEnergieTechnikZentrum (NETZ) is to III. Coating, immobilization, processing
�Generation of functional surfaces and volume elements
The aim of the NanoEnergieTechnikZentrum (NETZ) is to
overcome this deadlock
Developing materials and processes for application in
A unique research facility
� 36 labs and 66 offices
� Floor space: 3.900 m²
� Microscopy center with
state-of-the-art facilities
Application fields
I. Fuel cells:
Develop electrodes with long-term stability with low precious metal load by state-of-the-art facilities
� Seminar rooms, and
communication zones
� CeNIDE Headquarter
Highly flexible labs ensure adaptability to the requirements of
Fuel cell stack (Source: ZBT)
Develop electrodes with long-term stability with low precious metal load by
better understanding aging mechanisms and optimizing carrier materials
II. Battery technology:
Develop anode materials with high storage density of more than
1500 mAh/g based in Silicon / Carbon nanocomposites
Partners and Funding agencies
Highly flexible labs ensure adaptability to the requirements of
future research directions
Four-probe microscope (Source: UDE)
1500 mAh/g based in Silicon / Carbon nanocomposites
III. Catalysts for energy technology:
Develop immobilized, functional nanoparticles for photo-catalytic water
dissociation, for processing cellulose to sugars and for optimizing the
interaction of light with surfaces for improving photocatalysisPartners and Funding agencies
Partners:TiO2 ball (Source: MPI-K)
interaction of light with surfaces for improving photocatalysis
IV. Photovoltaics:
Reduce the number of process steps and processing temperature of
Silicon-based photovoltaics using highly doped Si nanoparticles and
laser sintering
Funding:
Si wafer suffering from too high process
temperature (Source: ZHO)
Thermoelectric generator (Source: UDE)
laser sintering
V. Thermoelectrical generators:
Develop thermoelectric materials based on Si-Ge nanocomposites
Unlike the Pb, Te and Sb compounds typically used so far, the
SiGe system is non-toxic and uses abundant raw materialsThermoelectric generator (Source: UDE)
