Nanomaterials describe, in principle, materials of which a single unit is sized (in at least one dimension) between 1 to 1000 nanometres (10−9 meter) but usually is 1 to 100 nm (the usual definition of nanoscale).
Harnessing the Sun's unlimited (for all practical purposes) energy supply is one of the most promising alternatives to combustion of fossil fuels. Improved characterisation of coatings for concentrating solar power (CSP) systems will speed development.