1. Resources for Teaching Nanoscience Across the Geoscience Curriculum
D. Mogk1, M. Hochella2, J. Ranville3, M. Bruckner4
1Montana State Univ., 2Virginia Tech, 3 Colorado School of Mines, 4SERC Carleton College
Nanotechnology is an exciting emerging field of research that is largely under-represented in the Geoscience curriculum. We are missing opportunities:
An economic driver; nano-products will contribute $3 trillion to US economy by 2020
US research will grow to $10 billion annually
Full employment for students who are properly trained.
Addresses important societal issues; environment, resources, health
What’s missing?
Incorporation of nanoscience in Geoscience education at all levels
Discovery and characterization of nanoparticles and their properties, and their role in chemical and physical processes
System energetics: surface energies are largely ignored (G=H-TS+PV)
Surface properties—composition, chemical state, atomic structure surface properties—this is where all the action is!
Surface mediated reactions: sorption, catalysis, redox, solution/precipitation, interfaces with biota
Nanoparticle role in complex systems
Nanoparticles in mass budgets and biogeochemical cycling
Nanoparticle role in Earth history (e.g., GOE) and origins of life
Ethical considerations of release of NPs to the environment
YOU and YOUR STUDENTS—commit to inclusion of nanoscience in your regular coursework.
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers (nm), where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale" (PCAST 2014). "Unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties can emerge in materials at the nanoscale. These properties may differ in important ways from the properties of bulk materials and single atoms or molecules."
Nanomaterials are everywhere in the Earth system. Nanomaterials impact chemical reactions, reaction rates and fluxes; global biogeochemical cycling; genesis and evolution of life on Earth; transport and fate of potentially hazardous or toxic materials; and environmental and human health. Nanoparticles contribute significantly to the energy and mass budgets of the Earth system.
Web Resources for Teaching Nanoscience
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No