Open Access

Perspective

Article ID: 2515

Story of carbon nanotube in energy—Booms and lapses?

by Ayesha Kausar

Energy Storage and Conversion, Vol.3, No.2, 2025;

In light of eras of scientific endeavors on carbon nanotubes and related nanomaterials, we notice extending applications of carbon nanotubes from high-tech energy/electronic devices to defense, engineering, and medical fields. Carbon nanotubes, being one of the initial nanocarbon technology breakthroughs, emerged as a frontline competitor for designing advanced energy devices/systems. As per literature so far, carbon nanotubes render valuably high specific surface area/properties, design adaptabilities, structural synergies, low expenses/density/toxicity, interfacial/percolation effects, and desirable energy storage (charge/electron flow, capacity/capacitance, capacity retention, reversible discharge, cyclic span, etc.) and energy conversion (power conversion efficiencies, energy/power density, photovoltaic effects, durability, etc.) parameters for devices. Looking at the up-to-date demand for carbon nanotubes in high-end energy storage and conversion systems (batteries, capacitors, photovoltaics), this perspective manuscript is planned to unveil the actual state-of-the-art and advancements in this field. Despite the success to date, real-world employment of carbon nanotube-derived energy systems seems to rely upon overcoming challenges for integrating these nanomaterials in next-generation energy assemblies. To meet current technological necessities, green-sourced carbon nanotube nanomaterials must be practiced for modern and future sustainable energy industries.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2211

The maximum wind energy of the most correlated points in an urban environment

by George Efthimiou

Energy Storage and Conversion, Vol.3, No.2, 2025;

This study investigates the maximum wind energy potential of points that exhibit the highest correlation in an urban environment. A wind tunnel experiment that was simulated in a previous study using the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) methodology to generate wind speed time series at various locations within a complex urban setting. The analysis focuses on the correlation of wind speeds at different heights and spatial points, demonstrating a clear dependence on height, with maximum correlations generally increasing as height increases. This phenomenon is attributed to the disruption of turbulent eddies by buildings, which significantly influences the wind flow patterns. The Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (SPOD) technique is employed to calculate the maximum wind energy, revealing that the maximum values occur on building rooftops. Additionally, an empirical equation is proposed, relating the maximum wind energy to the distance between the most correlated points, with a relatively high correlation coefficient. The findings of this research have practical implications for the optimization of renewable energy resources, particularly in urban environments where wind flow is highly complex. This study contributes to the understanding of wind energy potential in urban settings, offering insights that could be valuable for the placement and design of wind turbines in such challenging environments. The study revealed a significant dependence of wind energy potential on spatial positioning and height, with maximum values occurring at rooftops. An empirical equation was developed to predict the difference in maximum wind energy based on the distance between highly correlated points, offering a practical tool for urban wind energy optimization. These findings provide actionable insights for the integration of renewable energy systems in complex urban settings.

Open Access

Perspective

Article ID: 2198

Graphene going green—Today’s energy scenarios

by Ayesha Kausar

Energy Storage and Conversion, Vol.3, No.1, 2025;

Nowadays, mainstream research on graphene trends towards employing environmentally friendly or green synthesis routes and precursors, and ensuing green graphene nanomaterials are shown to be highly beneficial for a range of scientific applications, from energy/electronics to engineering to biomedical arenas. Specifically, graphene has emerged as a leading contender for designing green or ecological energy conversion (solar cells, fuel cells) and energy storage (supercapacitors, batteries) devices/systems. In this perspective article, we basically aim to highlight state-of-the-art advancements of green-sourced graphene and related nanomaterials in today’s energy sectors. According to scientific endeavors so far on green graphene, its successful design, real-world energy conversion/storage device application, and commercialization depend upon resolving underlying challenges of synthesis/performance. We observe notable applications of green graphene in the fields of photovoltaics, fuel cells, capacitors, and batteries. Herein, we suggest comprehensive future surveys for advanced fabrication techniques and sustainable sources/techniques to develop next-generation green graphene-derived energy systems with superior energy storage capacities and power outputs.

Open Access

Perspective

Article ID: 1959

Enhancing the performance and durability of high-temperature heat transfer fluids in industrial applications: A short review

by Christopher Ian Wright

Energy Storage and Conversion, Vol.3, No.1, 2025;

This article discusses typical heat transfer fluids (HTFs), crucial for efficient heat transfer in various industrial processes. HTFs play an important role circulating heat within closed-system operations, such as chemical processing, and also in storing and transferring thermal energy, for example, in concentrated solar power plants. Selecting the right HTF is key, as it must be compatible with the specific temperature range of the operation, thermally stable at high temperatures, and compatible with system materials. Safety is also a crucial factor, both in terms of personal safety during handling of the fluid and environmental impact of fluids. Regular monitoring is also a key consideration when selecting and using a fluid. as the condition of the HTF and system are interlinked. Regular sampling and monitoring of the fluid’s condition helps to identify potential issues like oxidation, contamination, and thermal decomposition, and thus helps to prevent or slow degradation while sustaining optimal performance. Strategies for extending the lifespan of a HTF include routine monitoring and the utilisation of other technologies, as needed, to protect against oxidation (e.g., anti-oxidative additive packages) and volatile light-ends (e.g., installation of a light-ends removal kit). By adopting such measures, industries can reduce operating costs, minimize downtime, and improve overall system efficiency. The objective of this short review is to provide a brief overview of the main HTFs used in high temperature industries and offer insights into the importance of selecting the right HTF for a specific application, considering factors such as its thermal properties, chemical stability, and safety. The need for regular monitoring and maintenance is emphasized to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of HTFs.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 2181

Evaluating the profitability of forest biomass power generation: A mathematical modeling approach

by Bahar Panbechi, Ali Roghani Araghi

Energy Storage and Conversion, Vol.3, No.1, 2025;

This article presents a detailed assessment of the economic feasibility of establishing a forest biomass power plant using a mathematical programming model that incorporates various operational and economic factors. Results indicate that this power plant is currently unprofitable, highlighting the financial challenges renewable energy projects face. Multiple factors, such as transportation costs, CO₂ penalties, and local employment impacts, significantly affect the net revenue generated from electricity derived from wood products. The need for strategic interventions to improve revenue generation and enhance the profitability of forest biomass power plants is evident. In this article, in addition to examining the challenges, suggestions will be provided to improve the economic status of biomass power plants, which can assist stakeholders in their future decision-making.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 1920

A review on MXene (Ti₃C₂Tx) composites with varied sizes of carbon for supercapacitor applications

by Ruby Garg

Energy Storage and Conversion, Vol.3, No.1, 2025;

MXenes belongs to a family of two‐dimensional (2D) layered transition metal carbides or nitrides which shows outstanding potential for various energy storage applications because of their high‐specific surface area, phenomenal electrical conductivity, outstanding hydrophilicity, and variable terminations. Of these different types of MXenes, the most widely studied member is Ti₃C₂T_x especially in supercapacitors (SCs). However, due to the problem of stacking and oxidation in MXene sheets, significant loss of electrochemically active sites happens. To overcome these issues, incorporation of carbon materials is carried out into MXenes for enhancing its electrochemical performance. This review aims to introduce various common strategies employed in synthesizing Ti₃C₂T_x, followed by a brief overview of latest developments in fabricating Ti₃C₂T_x/carbon electrode materials for SCs. The composition of Ti₃C₂T_x/carbon are summarized based on different dimensions of carbons, such as 0D carbon dots, 1D carbon nanotubes and fibers, 2D graphene, and 3D carbon materials (activated carbon, polymer‐derived carbon, etc.). Further, this review also aims in highlighting several insights on fabrication of novel MXenes/carbon composites as electrodes for application in SCs.