Carbon Nanotubes for Energy Applications

The energy crisis during the 1970s sparked the development of renewable energy sources and energy conservation measures. As supply eventually met demand, these programs were scaled back. Ten years later, the hazards of pollution led to work on minimisation and reversal of the environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction, transport and consumption [1]. The United States Department of Energy predicts that 20 years from now, the world’s energy consumption will increase by 20% (Figure 1). The growing concerns over the con‐ stant use of fossil fuels and its effect on climate change [2], has once again spurred re‐ search on sustainable energy development and on enhancement in renewable energy systems. Advances in energy storage and conversion systems that will make our energy usage more efficient are essential if we are to meet the challenge of global warming and the finite nature of fossil fuels [2, 3].