One of the hindrances to large-scale solar adoption, especially in cities, is where to install the chunky panels. Rooftops?

Imagine a car whose windows and sunroof can help top up its battery while parked under the sun, or a pair of smart glasses whose lenses can harvest light to power built-in electronics.

Nanotechnology enables the use of materials with unique optical, electrical, and thermal properties. These materials can be engineered to absorb sunlight more efficiently, reduce energy loss, and ...