The Strategic Role of 2D Nanomaterials in Grid Modernization

RecommendationsN ano4EARTH, the National Nanotechnology Challenge, 1 was established to mobilize the nanotechnology community to accelerate the development, scale-up, and adoption of technologies addressing critical energy resiliency and security challenges.This innovation nexus strives toward a grid in which electricity is optimally generated, stored with minimal losses, and intelligently delivered based on relative demand, which we refer to as the Resilient Smart Grid (RSG).The Nano4EARTH community recognizes the crucial role that two-dimensional (2D) materials may play to enable the RSG; thus, this Energy Focus highlights advancements, challenges, and opportunities related to 2D material utilization for energy generation, storage, transmission, and distribution that support grid efficiency and energy security. 2D Materials as a Technology EnablerNanotechnology can play a key role in advancing efficiency and resilience in our energy infrastructure. 12D materials, which include graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), MXenes, and other compounds in either single layer, multilayer, or composite form, often exhibit exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties due to their atomic-or nanoscale thickness and unique electronic structures compared to the corresponding bulk materials.Energy conversion technologies, including photovoltaics, fuel cells (mixed ion-electron conductors), and thermoelectrics, represent ideal candidates for 2D material integration because of the potential to improve integration and energy conversion efficiency.Likewise, energy storage technologies, such as batteries (ion-intercalation materials), or hydrogen storage technologies (metal hydrides), present unique opportunities for inexpensive chemistries, enhanced capacity, and extended cycle life.Energy transmission and distribution efficiencies could be increased by integrating 2D material into smart nanosensors and advanced materials for reconductoring power lines.In addition to these technologies, RDT&E efforts are needed to accelerate 2D material manufacturing at-scale and build industry trust in technologies enabled by 2D materials via rapid integration with current infrastructure.Life cycle assessment (LCA) can also help rationally select new materials.Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E), LCA, and other tools demonstrating the advantages of nanomaterials are discussed in more detail below. Energy GenerationAdvanced Photovoltaics.2D materials may enable the next generation of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the form of