nanotechnology: applications, impacts, challenges, and trends joe kostkowski dan mcdonald april 29,...

Nanotechnology: Applications, Impacts, Challenges, and Trends

Joe KostkowskiDan McDonaldApril 29, 2005

Applications and Impacts

Applications and Impacts

Energy

energy efficiency and supply provide food and water worldwide

dwindling fossil-fuel reserves solar power

Batteries nanotube technology

Applications and Impacts

Environment and Health

environmental protection source reduction

manufacturing process raw materials

“As we enter the 21st century, nanotechnology will have a major impact on the health, wealth and security of the world’s people that will be at least as significant in this century as antibiotics, the integrated circuit, and man-made polymers.”

-Interagency Working Group on Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology Report (1999)

Applications and Impacts

Defense

Smart UniformsSelf-contained computer networkLighter, more durable body armor “nanomuscle fibers” to enhance a soldier’s

strengthNanomaterials in weaponsNanotechnology-based information

systems

Applications and Impacts

Aerospace

Size, weight, and power consumption are all critical factors

NanoelectronicsBatteries, fuel cells, and solar cells

Applications and Impacts

Electronics Industry

Current lithography techniques have limitations

Molecular electronics

Applications and Impacts

SNAP

Superlattice Nanowire Pattern TransferReliably creates small features cheaper

than E-beam lithography

Trends

Trends

Energy, Environment and Health renewable energies - Consumption, Dependence

• Liability – Trust, “wow to yuck” trajectory

Trends

Automotive Industry

Trends in safety and efficiencyNanomaterials in catalytic convertersFuel additives to increase fuel efficiencyLightweight materials

Trends

Intellectual Property Rights

Rapidly increasing number of patents containing “nano”

Patent Office must protect intellectual property rights with-out stifling creativity

Challenges

Challenges

Energy

Research to consumers demand Clear schedule

dot-com explosion Biotechnology Military

Battery packs

Challenges

Electronics

Will nanowires or carbon nanotubes appear in next-generation transistors?

CNTsGood performanceHigh carrier mobility

NanowiresCan be doped for specific applications

Challenges

Environment and Health

flow of nanoparticles into the environment quantum dots Bioaccumulation

exposure to nanopollution inhalation, dermal, eye, and oral Examples

Titanium Dioxide, Carbon Black, and Diesel particles

Societal Activities transportation, urban development and information

management

Challenges

Ethical Issues

Will nanotechnology live up to the hype?

“Grey goo” theory Ill-defined

boundaries of nanotechnology will make regulation difficult

Questions?