In utilizing nanomaterials in energy applications preparation processes are of utmost importance. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) as a layer-by-layer thin film deposition technique enables preparation and modification of nanostructured materials. ALD has been studied in several energy technology applications including solar cells, lithium ion batteries and fuel cells. In solar cells both silicon based and dye-sensitized (DSSC) devices have been examined: in silicon cells the surface passivation of crystalline silicon by Al2O3, in DSSC preparation of semiconducting nanotubes/nanowires (TiO2/ZnO) and deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles with thin oxide layer to stop electron back-flow have been of interest. All solid state inorganic DSSC is achievable by ALD. Since ALD enables growth of conformal films on substrates of different size and shape, in Li ion batteries the ALD interest has been in 3D all solid state small size batteries. The challenge is in development of an ALD process for solid electrolyte. ALD has been studied in both solid oxides and polymer fuel cells. In both cases the preparation of noble metal nanoparticles has been of interest. In SOFCs also the oxide ion conducting material (Y:ZrO2) can be made by ALD and again a 3D structure device is possible. In the presentation besides the ALD nanomaterials in energy applications, the clean energy strategies of Finland are presented. Biofuels are important for Finland and especially those made from lignocellulosic materials. During the last 5-10 years there have been several programs on clean energy mostly funded by Tekes � the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. Tekes has also organized six Strategic Centres for Science, Technology and Innovation where industry and academia collaborate. Two of the Centres deal with energy.

Nanostructured materials for energy applications

246th National Meeting (2013)

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