Nanotechnology: Applications, Impacts, Challenges, and Trends Joe Kostkowski Dan McDonald April 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 Uniforms Self-contained computer network Lighter, more durable body armor “nanomuscle fibers” to enhance a soldier’s strength Nanomaterials in weapons Nanotechnology-based information systems

Applications and Impacts Aerospace Size, weight, and power consumption are all critical factors Nanoelectronics Batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells

Applications and Impacts Electronics Industry Current lithography techniques have limitations Molecular electronics

Applications and Impacts SNAP Superlattice Nanowire Pattern Transfer Reliably 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 efficiency Nanomaterials in catalytic converters Fuel additives to increase fuel efficiency Lightweight 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? CNTs Good performance High carrier mobility Nanowires Can 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?