Nanomaterials are significantly influencing energy research, and the novel findings in the area of nanocomposites, carbon nanomaterials and hybrid structures have led these materials into greater technology readiness level. However, a path for commercialization is yet to be realized. Our understanding on defects, growth mechanisms, architecture development and hybridization of various materials and nanostructures are in the developmental stage. These aspects are critical in understanding multi-interface components for the envisioned energy devices and materials. This issue of Nanomaterials and Energy presents a diverse set of articles that not only addresses the above-mentioned fundamental topics but also relates them to energy efficiency in the real world. The opening article of this issue is a feature article by Professor Gutkin where he discusses on different mechanisms of structural degradation of composite nanoparticles and related theoretical aspects in detail. The second article by Chaudhary and colleagues focuses on organic photovoltaics addressing limited efficiency and charge transport of such devices. This article discusses hybrid organic–inorganic solar cells and their photovoltaic characteristics. The focus is on hybridization of amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films with polymers. Since Nanomaterials and Energy strongly encourages diversity in each issue, the next article demonstrates an innovative solution for thermal interface materials comprising carbon nanotubes. The reported work focuses on thermocompression method to integrate carbon nanotubes films with metalized silicon chips. This article is followed by a numerical study on heat-transfer analysis of nanofluids. Finally, the issue wraps up with an opinion article on graphene and its energy applications, a review article focusing on earth–air tunnel heat exchanger applications and a book review in the area of disulfide nanomaterials.
As an Editor-in-Chief of Nanomaterials and Energy and on behalf of my publication team and editorial board, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our readers and authors for boosting the success of this journal and advancing it further. I am happy to announce that Nanomaterials and Energy is now available in searchable databases, and we are moving toward making our place in citation indices as well as impact factors (due in 2014). We would also like to welcome our new editorial board members, including our honorary editorial board member (Professor P. M. Ajayan, Rice University). We encourage our readers and authors to continue contributing their high-quality research work in Nanomaterials and Energy. Our rigorous peer-review process and the diligent effort of our publication staff has made it possible to provide highest quality of research in production in both paper and electronic forms. With this editorial, I also encourage interested readers and authors to submit their details to me (nchopra@eng.ua.edu), if he or she is interested to serve Nanomaterials and Energy in roles as diverse as Associate Editor, reviewer or editorial board member. More details about Nanomaterials and Energy could be viewed through the following webpage: http://youtu.be/eAV6Dz-gjuU
