Nanostructured coatings underpin various energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. They have diverse functionality since a change in nanostructure is often easy to engineer, while response is structure sensitive. Optically these coatings can impact on incoming or emitted radiation in ways that are not possible with bulk materials or dense, smooth thin films. This ability can be extended to optimize either thermal, chemical, electrical or visual properties. Large area, cost effective production is often practicable and is needed for major beneficial environmental impacts. Coatings that utilize plasmonic materials (conductors and certain special ionic systems) are our focus. These materials are deployed within multi-layered films, as nanoparticles in composites, as nanostructured interfaces, and in meso-structured thin layers. Solar thermal collectors, solar cells, windows and skylights, roof cooling, water col lection, and catalytic surfaces,can each utilize such coatings. Nanocoatings also means functionality does not have to limit color or finish options.
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