Nanotechnology Environment
Nanotechnology holds great promise for benefiting our environment by
permitting the development of new types of miniature sensors, fuel cell
catalysts and pollutant filters. Nevertheless, as in other
applications, there are many who continually express their concerns
about the possible negative impact resulting from the release of
nanoparticles into our environment. It is a matter that deserves
considerable study and attention from regulatory agencies in the form
of guidelines.
The paint industry has learned to incorporate nanoparticles in
energy-saving coatings that reduce heat by reflecting infrared
radiation. They have also been working toward the development of
'smart' paints that can change their color when exposed to light or
temperature changes. Here, too, there have been concerns voiced about
Nan particles set free in the environment as the paints become eroded.
The telecom industry has been developing nanotechnology materials that will make their manufacturing processes more efficient and that could also provide miniaturized sensors that would be applied to monitoring agrochemicals and improving traffic flow. Here, the nanotechnology environment would be improved. Miniature sensors developed through nanotechnology could also be utilized to detect specific pollutants that have been released into the environment either accidentally or on purpose. Applications might be made to include biotoxins that represent significant danger to citizens.
The removal of pollutants is possible now with filters that incorporate nanoparticles. And nanotechnology may also be used in catalysts that generate important chemical reactions in fuel cells that can be used with renewable energy sources.
Nanotechnology is definitely applicable to the environment. The laws of quantum mechanics frequently result in dramatic changes in optical, mechanical, chemical and electronic properties of materials at nanoscale sizes. These properties, in turn, can be used to develop useful applications of nanotechnology for environmental protection. These include sensors as discussed above, remediation techniques for cost-effective cleanup of specific sites, green manufacturing that eliminates waste product generation and green energy technology that permits clean energy sources to be developed.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken research directions in the environmental applications of nanotechnology and it's potential ramifications. EPA has funded 32 research grants totaling more than $11-million for the study of nanotechnology to protect the environment. EPA has also awarded 20 contracts to small companies to develop and bring to market nanomaterials and clean technologies. The effects of nanoparticles on health and the environment are also being studies in conjunction with other federal agencies.
One company funded by EPA has developed and demonstrated a carbon nanofiber filter with a large surface area that efficiently removes volatile organic compounds and particles smaller than 3 micrometers from engine exhaust, indoor air and power generator exhausts.
Finally, the Office of Research & Development (ORD) laboratories are developing nanostructured photo catalysts as green alternatives to the oxygenation of hydrocarbons; nanomaterials used as adsorbents, membranes and catalysts for the control of air pollution emissions; and ultra fine particulate matter that could be utilized to provide research information about manufactured nanomaterials.
It is clear that effective government-sponsored research into the nanotechnology environment is well underway as we near the end of 2007.
The telecom industry has been developing nanotechnology materials that will make their manufacturing processes more efficient and that could also provide miniaturized sensors that would be applied to monitoring agrochemicals and improving traffic flow. Here, the nanotechnology environment would be improved. Miniature sensors developed through nanotechnology could also be utilized to detect specific pollutants that have been released into the environment either accidentally or on purpose. Applications might be made to include biotoxins that represent significant danger to citizens.
The removal of pollutants is possible now with filters that incorporate nanoparticles. And nanotechnology may also be used in catalysts that generate important chemical reactions in fuel cells that can be used with renewable energy sources.
Nanotechnology is definitely applicable to the environment. The laws of quantum mechanics frequently result in dramatic changes in optical, mechanical, chemical and electronic properties of materials at nanoscale sizes. These properties, in turn, can be used to develop useful applications of nanotechnology for environmental protection. These include sensors as discussed above, remediation techniques for cost-effective cleanup of specific sites, green manufacturing that eliminates waste product generation and green energy technology that permits clean energy sources to be developed.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken research directions in the environmental applications of nanotechnology and it's potential ramifications. EPA has funded 32 research grants totaling more than $11-million for the study of nanotechnology to protect the environment. EPA has also awarded 20 contracts to small companies to develop and bring to market nanomaterials and clean technologies. The effects of nanoparticles on health and the environment are also being studies in conjunction with other federal agencies.
One company funded by EPA has developed and demonstrated a carbon nanofiber filter with a large surface area that efficiently removes volatile organic compounds and particles smaller than 3 micrometers from engine exhaust, indoor air and power generator exhausts.
Finally, the Office of Research & Development (ORD) laboratories are developing nanostructured photo catalysts as green alternatives to the oxygenation of hydrocarbons; nanomaterials used as adsorbents, membranes and catalysts for the control of air pollution emissions; and ultra fine particulate matter that could be utilized to provide research information about manufactured nanomaterials.
It is clear that effective government-sponsored research into the nanotechnology environment is well underway as we near the end of 2007.
