Part 6 - Sustainability

Question 1

How would you make nano materials safer?

Answer 1

Immobilise nanoparticles

Make nanoparticles large in at least one direction

Question 2

Give applications of nanotechnology in the automotive industry

Answer 2

lightweight construction
catalysts
paint
coatings for windscreens

Question 3

Give applications of nanotechnology in the chemical industry

Answer 3

catalysts
magnetic fluids
coating systems

Question 4

Give applications of nanotechnology in engineering

Answer 4

Wear protection for tools and machines

lubricant-free bearings

Question 5

Give applications of nanotechnology in the electronic industry

Answer 5

data memory
displays 
laser diodes 
glass fibres
conductive coatings

Question 6

Give applications of nanotechnology in construction

Answer 6

Construction materials
thermal insulation
flame retardants
surface functionalism building materials

Question 7

Give applications of nanotechnology in medicine

Answer 7

drug delivery systems 
active agents 
contrast medium 
agents in cancer therapy 
antimicrobial agents and coatings.

Question 8

Give applications of nanotechnology in energy

Answer 8

Fuel cells
Solar cells
Batteries
Capacitors

Question 9

Give applications of nanotechnology in cosmetics

Answer 9

Sun protection
skin creams
toothpaste

Question 10

Give applications of nanotechnology in food and drinks

Answer 10

Package materials
storage life sensors
additives

Question 11

Give applications of nanotechnology in household

Answer 11

ceramic coatings for irons
odours catalyst
cleaner for glass, ceramic etc.

Question 12

Give applications of nanotechnology in sport

Answer 12

ski wax
anti-fogging of glasses/goggles
antifouling coatings
reinforced tennis rackets.

Question 13

Give some positive environmental impacts of nano materials

Answer 13

Better catalytic efficiency through higher SA-V ratio

Increased electrical conductivity in ceramics and magnetic nanocomposites, increased electric resistance in metals

Improved hardness and toughness of metals and alloys, ductility etc

Spectral shift of optical absorption and fluorescence properties, increased quantum efficiency of semiconductor crystals

Question 14

How would you nano materials effect applications in Sensors

Answer 14

Improved monitoring and detection capabilities with better controls

Real-time, accurate sensing of many compounds simultaneously at extremely low concentrations frequently in hostile environments

Question 15

How would you nano materials effect applications in Treatment

Answer 15

Cleaning up of waste streams of contaminants, particularly those substances that are highly toxic, persistent within the environment or difficult to treat.

Question 16

How would you nano materials effect applications in Remediation

Answer 16

Cleanup of contaminated sites with problems brought about by prior technologies and past practices.

Question 17

How would you nano materials effect applications in Green manufacturing

Answer 17

Dematerialisation - less “stuff’” to begin with. Using nanotech to eliminate the generation of waste products and steams by designing in pollution prevention at the source.

Atom-by-atom construction, less material to dispose of.

Question 18

How would you nano materials effect applications in Nano-geochemistry

Answer 18

Knowledge of formation of atmospheric aerosols, and the movement of natural nanoparticles in air and soil can help inform the solutions to man-made problems

Question 19

How would you nano materials effect applications in toxicity

Answer 19

Essential to risk analysis for ecosystem and human health.

Question 20

What is life cycle analysis?

Answer 20

Systems-based approach for gathering data on material and energy flows associated with products and processes.

Useful tool for assessing the true environmental impact.

Activities:

• acquisition of materials
• purification
• manufacturing
• fabrication
• commercial uses
• end-of-life disposition

Question 21

What are environmental concerns of nano materials?

Answer 21

NPs might not be detectable after release into the environment, which in turn can create difficulties if remediation is needed

Full rick assessments should be performed including toxicological hazard, probability of exposure and environmental and biological fate.

Question 22

What is the E-factor?

Answer 22

Considers the waste-toproduct ratio and includes all chemicals involved in production.

E-Factor, E = (kg material inputs) / (kg product)

Question 23

For manufacturing, what E-factor is essential?

Answer 23

For large-scale manufacturing of nano materials with low E-factor is needed for low environmental impacts.