Applications of POSS nanocomposites in the energy field

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) with nanosized stable three-dimensional architectures have attracted increasing attention in the design of novel functional hybrid materials for applications in the energy field. In this chapter, the use of POSS as electrolyte for fuel cells, lithium batteries, dye-sensitized solar cells, and organic semiconductors, and also as coating materials for thin film solar cells, is briefly discussed. In addition, the relationships between the benefits obtained from these applications and the relevant features of POSS mentioned above are examined. Researches so far have been promising for the commercialization of POSS as an alternative energetic material for practical applications in the near future.