Next-Generation Functional Materials for Energy and Structural Performance

Abstract

Nano-engineered materials have become enabling technologies for various technological domains. Nanoscale engineered materials exhibit properties and functionalities that differ from conventional bulk materials, and which often enable those nanoscale materials to fulfill roles in technologies that bulk materials cannot fulfill. Such properties have catalyzed advancements within fields relating to energy, sensors, and structural applications. Nanoengineered materials also enable the development of multifunctional composites, wherein the nanoengineered components enable structural aspects of the composite materials to also perform some other function. Despite the variety of functions that nano-engineered materials can perform, there are still challenges in their integration into current technology. Overall, then, nano-engineered materials have enabled new functionality to various technologies, but also present challenges in their development and integration. This paper will review nano-engineered materials, the ways in which they can be utilized, and future directions for the field.