Symposium EN11—Nanomaterials for the Water and Energy Nexus
Many sectors of the economy are inextricably linked such that research and technology developments in one area can have dramatic impacts on other areas. This is especially evident in the case of water and energy sectors, where energy is used in water production, distribution, and recycling while water is required for energy generation. In many geographical locations around the world, the energy-water nexus is exacerbated by the high-energy intensity of the water production or treatment due to shortage of fresh water resources. This symposium will focus on research and development of new materials and structures for sustainable and environmentally friendly management of water and energy resources. Examples include new composite materials for solar-fueled water treatment and desalination as well as materials for renewable energy generation from solar and unconventional energy sources. Of particular interest are solutions based on using abundant materials as well as material processing technologies that rely on low energy and water usage.