RICE ENERGY: Energy and Nanotechnology

Rice's nanotechnology research programs offer the possibility of moving beyond current alternatives for energy supply by introducing technologies that are more efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally sound.

Smalley Institute:  Quantum Wire
The university's nanotechnology research is centered in the Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. One of its most prominent initiatives is the development of Quantum wires -- carbon-based nano-tubes capable of transporting energy vast distances with little or no power loss. Combined with solar power as an energy source, quantum wires would be capable of satisfying power demands in a sustainable manner and on a global basis.

Laboratory for Nanophotonics
The ability to rely on solar power to satisfy energy demand is related in part to the performance of solar panels. Rice University's far-reaching research program in nano-photonics, centered in the Laboratory for Nanophotonics (LANP), includes leading theorists and experimentalists in both the basic and applied sciences.  Their research has the potential to enhance the absorptive capacity of solar panels, extend their longevity, and make much more efficient use of solar power generators.

Baker Institute Initiative on Energy Policy and Nano-Science
The primary goal of the Intitiative on Energy Policy and Nano-Science at the Baker Institute Energy Forum is to help broaden public understanding of how scientific disciplines such as nano-science can appear esoteric with little bearing on people’s lives, but, in reality, technologies developed from these fields can have a direct impact, including the potential to help solve the challenge of developing cheaper, more efficient and environmentally sound energy supplies.

Energy Transportation & Fuel Cells 
Included in the energy vision articulated by President Bush during his 2006 State of the Union Address is development of pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. That objective cannot be achieved with current fuel cells. Researchers at Rice have used nano-technology to develop an iron-based ceramic membrane which offers similar proton conductivity to the commercially available membranes, but which costs less, operates at higher temperatures and exhibits greater longevity. Research on other aspects of fuel cells and hydrogen storage is also currently underway at Rice.

Faculty &
Researchers

Pulickel Ajayan
Lawrence Alemany
Andrew Barron
Edward Billups
Dagobert Brito
Vicki Colvin
Ken Cox
Jason Hafner
Naomi Halas
Peter Hartley
Robert Hauge
Bruce Johnson
Junichiro Kono
Angel Marti
Neal Lane
Qilin Li
Clarence Miller
Ronald Nordgren
P. Nordlander
Matteo Pasquali
G. Scuseria
R. B. Weisman
Michael Wong
Boris Yakobson