Nanotechnology in energy storage and utilization is focus of new conference

A new ASME conference this June will give engineers and scientists who are pursuing leading-edge nanotechnology research the opportunity to consult with professionals who are involved in the national debate over alternative energy technologies to reduce America's dependence on oil and natural gas.

This new meeting, The Energy Nanotechnology International Conference, will be held from June 26-28 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. ASME's Nanotechnology Institute is a sponsor of the conference, which will feature presentations on the role of nanotechnology in energy conversion, storage, and utilization. Supporting organizations include the Center for 21st Century Energy and the MIT Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.

The Energy Nanotechnology Conference was designed to bring together different disciplines of energy technology to discuss the possible benefits of nanoscience and nanotechnology in their R&D efforts. A number of researchers believe that nanotechnology can contribute to efficient and possibly low-cost systems for generating, storing, and transporting energy. According to these researchers, structures that are designed and fabricated at the nanoscale offer the potential to enhance efficiencies and reduce costs in solar photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, and other energy technologies.

"The technical community as well as government leaders in recent years have been interested in exploring the relationship between nanotechnology and energy," said Gang Chen, a professor of engineering at MIT and chair of the ASME Nanotechnology Institute's advisory board. "The Energy Nanotechnology International Conference will provide a focused meeting to discuss the significant issues."

The conference program will comprise six technical tracks: nanotechnology for solar energy utilization; nanotechnology for energy storage; nanotechnology for efficient energy conversion; fundamental transport issues; large-scale nanomaterials synthesis and device fabrication; and other general topics. The meeting also will include poster sessions and panel discussions.

Before May 1, registration is $400 for the general public and $200 for students. One-day registration is $275 before that date. After May 1, the cost will be $450 for the general public, $250 for students, and $300 for one-day registration. Registration fees include a collection of abstracts provided by authors (electronic or print format), plus access to conference sessions, the poster session, refreshment breaks, lunches, and receptions.

To register, contact ASME Information Central at (800) 843-2763 or (973) 882-1170, and mention program code "EN6." Complete information on the Energy Nanotechnology International Conference is available at http://asmeconferences.org/energynano06.

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