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Nanotechnologies for Environmental Benefit

Explore the potential of nanotechnologies and their impact on various sectors, from biotechnology to environmental remediation. Learn about the historical development, current state, and future implications of nanotechnology, including funding initiatives and applications in pollution prevention and sustainable technologies. Discover the ethical and political considerations surrounding nanotechnology, drawing parallels to the GMO industry's experience. Dive into cutting-edge research and emerging technologies that are shaping the way we address environmental challenges with the power of nanoscience.

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Nanotechnologies for Environmental Benefit

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  1. Nanotechnologies for Environmental Benefit Jim Tankersley, Research Scientist Battelle Memorial Institute Wednesday, April 27th 2004 NDIA 30th Environmental and Energy Symposium and Exhibition

  2. Introduction • One nanometer = a billionth of a meter = 1/75,000th the width of human hair • Signals the possibility of significant and dramatic advances in • biotechnology (health) • defense • information storage and processing • cosmetics • coatings • displays • batteries • fuel cells • electronics and more

  3. A Brief History of Nanotechnology • In 1959, Richard Feynman of CalTech gave a talk entitled "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom.“ • "Carbon exists in two allotropic forms, graphite and diamond" • In the 1980s/90s, a team led by Richard Smalley manipulated Carbon atoms to create Fullerenes (“Buckyballs”) Feynman Smalley

  4. Current State of Nanotechnology • (1999) President Clinton announces National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) • First formal government program to accelerate the pace of research, development and commercialization of nanoscale applications. • (2001) European Union approved budget > €16B ($20B) for R&D under EU Framework Programme. • Nanotechnology, a major theme and priority, was slated to receive nearly 10% of this funding allocation. • Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Israel and Switzerland have all begun similar measures • Shaping up to be the first truly “global” race of the 21st century

  5. Funding History of the NNI

  6. DoD Funding History of Nanotechnology

  7. Historical Environmental Uses of Nanotechnology • Carbon Black • Photography • Petrochemical Industry • Food & Drink Packaging • Retard Spoilage • Extend Shelf Life

  8. Environmental Nanotechnology Today • Environmental research has focused on remediation efforts and contaminant treatment • Nanoscale bimetallic particles & in situ remediation • Undesirable byproducts (dichloroethylenes, vinyl chloride) • Increase efficiencies of current methods • Photosensitive nanoparticles • Ecopaint • Nanoscale metallic particles • Chlorinated Hydrocarbons benign hydrocarbons • PCBs, some pesticides, and halogenated solvents

  9. Emerging Technologies and Nanotechnology • Chemical Sensors • Single-walled Nanotube • Human Health & the Environment • Disinfectant Spray Nanotube

  10. Nanotechnology and Pollution Prevention • Increase efficiencies of manufacturing processes (e.g., computer chips) • Increased energy efficiency • Energy-efficient Lighting (LED Technology) • Glass Insulation • Solar Cell and Fuel Cell Technology • Polymer-based Solar Panels • Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Technology

  11. Nanotechnology and Pollution Prevention • Nanocomposites • Automobile Manufacturing • Housing Construction • Remediation of Lead Contamination • Nanotechnology and Coatings • Ultraviolet (UV) curable resins • Resins with low to no VOCs • Controlled-release gel additives for corrosion resistance

  12. Ethical and Political Issues • New environmental problems? • New Toxins • Inhalation Hazards • Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology • Most common irritants <2.5mm • Nanoscale ≈ Hemoglobin, Viruses • Public Perception • Accuracy of Information

  13. Ethical and Political Issues Testimony of Dr. Vicki L. Colvin Director, Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology (CBEN) and Associate Professor of Chemistry Rice University, Houston, Texas before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science in regard to "Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003," April 9, 2003 The GMO Experience and Public Relations “The campaign against GMOs was successful despite the lack of sound scientific data demonstrating a threat to society. In fact, I argue that the lack of sufficient public scientific data on GMOs, whether positive or negative, was a controlling factor in the industry's fall from favor. The failure of the industry to produce and share information with public stakeholders left it ill-equipped to respond to GMO detractors. This industry went, in essence, from "wow" to "yuck" to "bankrupt." There is a powerful lesson here for nanotechnology.”

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