Environmental Applications of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology includes a number of promising applications to improve the environmental performance of existing products and processes and in some cases, create new technologies to reduce the generation of pollutants and waste. One frequently mentioned application of nanotechnology is in renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic or solar cells. Nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, thin films, and quantum dots are being developed to reduce the cost and increase the performance of solar panels and, eventually, this technology could be cost competitive with conventional power plants. This would lead to inexpensive and pollution-free energy for industrial processes, buildings, and vehicles while reducing human reliance on non-renewable energy sources, particularly coal and oil.
Another promising form of nanotechnology involves the much touted ‘hydrogen economy’. Many researchers and policy analysts see hydrogen as the fuel of the future because it is readily available in water and, unlike fossil fuels, it is a non-polluting source of energy. However, there are a number of significant barriers to adopting a new source of fuel. Nanotechnology may help to overcome these barriers through the development of nanocatalysts that can derive hydrogen from water at low cost. Carbon nanotubes could also be used to make light but strong storage containers for gaseous hydrogen, so vehicles could be operated safely using liquid hydrogen. In addition to producing hydrogen and storing it, nanotechnology products could be applied to high-efficiency lighting such as light-emitting devices based on quantum dots, to convey electricity more efficiently via carbon nanotubes, or to store electricity in high performance batteries. These measures have the potential to reduce energy consumption in industrialized countries and curb the growing appetite of developing countries for fossil fuels.
Another environmental application of nanotechnology is in the water sector. As freshwater sources become increasingly scarce due to overconsumption and contamination, scientists have begun to consider desalination of seawater as another source for drinking water. The majority of the world’s water supply has too much salt for human consumption and desalination is an effective but energy-intensive method for removing the salt to create new sources of water. Carbon nanotube membranes have the potential to reduce costs by 75% through lower energy inputs and make desalination cost-competitive in another five to ten years. Similarly, nanofilters could be used to remediate or clean up ground water or surface water contaminated with chemicals and hazardous substances. Finally, nanosensors could be developed to detect waterborne contaminants and pathogens accurately and quickly.
Nanotechnology could be applied to materials to reduce solid waste generation by creating more durable materials with enhanced performance properties. Materials such as concrete, paints, and glues could be developed that would be less expensive and longer-lasting. Windows could be developed with properties to block heat and light as needed and increase the energy efficiency of buildings.
Overall, there are a multitude of promising environmental applications for nanotechnology. Much of the current research is focused on energy and water technologies with the intent of finding more efficient and effective ways to use natural resources as they become more expensive and scarce.
Further Reading:
- Masciangioli Tina, and Wei-Xian Zhang. 2003. Environmental technologies at the nanoscale, Environmental Science and Technology 37(5):102A-108A.
- Risbud, Aditi. 2006. Cheap drinking water from the ocean, Technology Review.
