2. Nanotechnologies and nanomaterials in buildings and urban spaces

Two seconds' thought is all it takes to realize that nanotechnologies (NT) and nanomaterials (NM) can play an extremely varied role in a "low-energy" or "positive-energy" building, on an individual, neighborhood or urban scale. Firstly, in controlling heat transfer and energy consumption. As we shall see, this is not just a question of thermal insulation. In the supply of renewable energy, whether solar, wind or geothermal. Then there's the storage of electrical energy using – batteries, whether those of the vehicle or those of the – photovoltaic system, or an electrolyser/fuel cell pair. In health and convenience, whether in self-cleaning surfaces and/or those capable of improving air quality, or in the many devices that will populate the world of home automation. In interior design and decoration, where the possibilities are endless.

The following is not an exhaustive...