POTENTIAL ROLES OF

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN SUSTAINABILITY

+Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Arizona State University, PO Box 875306, Tempe, AZ 85287-5306

*Cellular and Molecular Biosciences Faculty, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501

Kiril Hristovski+, Yang Zhang+, Brian A. Koeneman*,Yongsheng Chen, Paul Westerhoff+, David G. Capco* and John Crittenden+

Nanotechnology & Sustainability

• Outline

– Definition of nanotechnology

– Development of nanotechnology

– Nanotechnology and sustainability

– Adverse effect of nanotechnology

– Nanotechnology research at ASU

– Nanotechnology life cycle

– Future of nanotechnology research

– Acknowledge

– Related Websites

What is Nanotechnology?

• Nanotechnology is….– Creation and/or manipulation of materials,

structures and devices at the nanometer

(nm) scale, where new physical, chemical

and biological properties occur as

compared to bulk materials.

TiO2 nanoparticles

Stages of Nanotechnology Development

Nanostructured coatings, particles, metals, polymers, ceramics, catalysts, composites, displays

First Generation ~ 2001: Passive Nanostructures

Transistors, amplifiers, targeted drugs and chemicals, actuators, adaptive structures, sensors, diagnostic assays, fuel cells, solar cells,High-performance nanocomposites, ceramics, metals

Second Generation ~ Now: Active Nanostructures

Various assembly techniques, networking at the nanoscale, new architectures, biomimetic materials, novel therapeutics and targeted drug delivery

Third Generation ~ 2010: 3-D Nanosystems

Technological ComplexityIncreasing

Source: Barbara Karn’s presentation, US Environmental Protection Agency

Nanotechnology & Sustainability

• Nanotechnology could

substantially enhance

sustainability through:

– Energy

– Environment

– Health Care

– Agriculture

EnvironmentEnergy Health Care Agriculture

U.S. Federal Funding (849 millions) on Nanotechnology R&D in 2004

NIH8.24%

DOE23.20%

DOF26.15%

NSF29.33%

EPA0.59%

NIST7.30%

NASA3.65%

TSA0.24% USDA

1.18% DOJ0.12%

Nanotechnology & Energy

Nanotechnology can help…

– Enhance energy efficiency:thermal insulation nanomaterials, etc.

– Minimize energy consumption:energy-saving lighting system with nanotechnology, etc.

– Develop clean energy source and production processes: hydrogen energy, solar energy, etc.

– Improve power transportation:super conductivity of nanomaterials, etc.

Solar PV

Thermal insulation material

(Source:http://www.nanopore.com)

Second Generation (2G) HTS WireSuperconductor coating

-- including the dispersion of nanodots(Source:http://www.amsuper.com/product

s/htsWire/2GWireTechnology.cfm)

Nano- LEDs(Source:http://www.research.phili

ps.com/newscenter/pictures)

Conventional energy production and utilization are extremely destructive to environment.

Hydrogen Energy/Hydrogen Economy

• The hydrogen economy is an energy system based on hydrogen. – Nanotechnology could promote the hydrogen economy by allowing

for hydrogen storage, acting as a catalyst for hydrogen production, acting as a thermal management material, etc.

Hydrogen economy as a network of primary energy sources linked to multiple end uses with hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Source: http://www.aip.org/pt/vol-57/iss-12/p39.html

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

• Catalysts: Nanomaterials improve the extraction of pure hydrogen from fuel, such as methanol and ammonia.

• Fuel Storage: In the nanophase, hydrogen can be quickly extracted from fuel.

• Hydrogen Storage:Nanomaterials enhance hydrogen storage capacity in solid form.

• Proton Exchange Membrane:Nanomaterials improve proton conductivity.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Scheme

Source: http://nano.mtu.edu/ HydrogenFuelCell_start.html

Solar Energy

– Improving the conversion of light to electricity by collecting a broader range of wavelengths in the solar spectrum.

– Increasing energy efficiency for solar cells based on quantum dots.

– Smaller and cheaper solar cells based on nanomaterials than the conventional solar cells.

Solar cell based on inorganic nanorods and semiconducting polymers

(Source: http://www.pathnet.org)

Although solar technology has been limited for decades, this malaise will soon come to an end due to advancements in nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology & Environment

Nanotechnology offers great promise for improving environmental quality and solving environmental problems.

Nanotechnology can help with…

– Pollution Prevention

– Pollution Sensing & Detection

– End of Pipe Treatment

– Contaminant Remediation

Pollution Prevention

End of Pipe Treatment

Contaminant Remediation

Pollution Sensing & Detection

Pollution Prevention

• Reduction of:

– raw materials

– water

– other resources

• Waste products are:

– less toxic

– renewable

– environmentally safer

Nanotube in Field Emission Displays

Nanotube will replace toxic heavy metal to use in FEDs and reduce its energy consumption.

(Source: http://www.azom.com)

Pollution Sensing & Detection

• Some research show that sensors based on nanomaterials exhibit substantially higher sensitivity to biological and chemical species than existing solid-state sensors.

Carbon nanotube resonator sensor

It is sensitive to both polar (NH3) and non-polar gases (He, Ar, N2, and O2)

A. Pham, Professor (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Source: A. Pham, Carbon Nanotube Resonator Sensors for Remote Sensing Systems

Contaminant Treatment & Remediation

• Nanostructured oxidants, reductants, and nutrients:promote contaminant transformation and stimulate microbial growth.

• Photocatalysis of nanomaterials: produces hydroxyl radicals that oxidize organic contaminants.

• Nanoparticles deployed in ex situ slurry reactors: allow for treatment of contaminated soils, sediments, and solid wastes.

• Nanosorbent properties: provide excellent absorption potential for organic and inorganic contaminants.

• Nanofilter membranes: increase the removal efficiency of contaminants and microbes in water.

Groundwater Remediation

By introducing preprogrammed iron nanoparticles into groundwater, toxic metals, such as arsenic and cadmium, can be reduced into benign substances. Another advantage of nanoparticles is to penetrate the small pore size.

Kim Hayes, Professor (CEE)

Source: Bill Clayton, Nanotechnology – An engineering response to human problem

Nano-biotechnology & Environment

• Carbon Nanotube– Combine enzymes to reduce hazardous

chemicals

• Diatoms– Enzyme matrix for biocatalysis

– Filter for water clean up

– Skeleton combined with enzymes for toxic waste decontamination

The Nanotech-Biotech Interface

Carbon Biotech Silicon

Source: Brent Erickson’s presentation

Acid Cleaned Diatoms (10-20 µm across and holes in nanosize)

Enzyme + Carbon Nanotube for Catalysis

H2SO4: HNO3

3:1

EDAC

NHS

Enzyme molecules inside carbon nanotube --Increases catalytic activity in non-aqueous solutions

Source: Jonathan Dordick’s presentation, RPI

Enzyme + Nanomembrane for Waste Treatment

The enzyme organophosphorushydrolase (OPH) has been embedded in a synthetic nanomembrane (mesoporoussilica) that enhances its activity and stability. The OPH transforms toxic substances (purple molecule at left of OPH) to harmless byproducts (yellow and red molecules at right).

Source: http://doegenomestolife.org/ benefits/cleanup.shtml

Nanotechnology & Health Care

Nanotechnology will promote

our ability to characterize

living organisms and cure

illnesses.

Nanotechnology provides:

– New instruments to

examine tissues in

unprecedented detail.

– Precise ways to deliver

medicines.

– Detection and

identification of cells and

their activities.

Quantum Dots Marking the cells with emitting color(Source: http://www.evidenttech.com)

Drug Delivery

Nanoparticles joined by strands of DNA can be programmed to identify specific cells and deliver a precise dose of drugs. This increased drug specificity will dramatically reduce side effects on healthy cells.

Jams Baker(Bionanotechnology)

Source: Bill Clayton, Nanotechnology – An engineering response to human problem

Cell Imaging

Nanoparticles, put into cells by a laser, make the cells highly visible to conventional imaging technology.

O’Donnell, Et. al. (Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)

Source: Bill Clayton, Nanotechnology – An engineering response to human problem

Nanotechnology & Agriculture

Nanotechnology will contribute directly to advancements in agriculture in a number of ways.

Nanotechnology provides:

– Molecular-engineered biodegradable chemicals for plants nourishment and protection against insects

– Genetic improvement for animals and plants

– Nanoarray-based testing technologies for DNA

Adverse Effects of Nanotech for Sustainability

• Unknown Fate in Environment

• Unknown Adverse Toxic Effects and Pathways

• Unknown Protection Ways

• Unknown Remediation and Mitigation Perspectives

Source

Availablein water?

No

Yes

Part 1

Biodegradation Bioaccumulation

Contaminant sorption

Soil Association

Part 2

Toxicology

Part 3

Unexpected nano-materials behavior in environmental systemsSource: Dr. Kevin Ausman’ presentation, Rice University

Nanopathology

• Tissues reaction: Against the presence of small-sized foreign bodies, depending on foreign body's chemistry, surface, shape and size.

• A possible “critical” threshold of size: A material may no longer be biocompatible when its size is below the threshold.

• Tissues related to nanopathology: Lung, liver, colon, blood and lymph, etc.

• Possible examples: Silicosis, Asbestosis, Thrombus and Crohn’s disease, etc.

Debris of cobalt–tungsten found in a small thrombus grown in the blood stream

Barium-Sulfate debris in liver cancer

Source: http://www.nanopathology.it

Nanotechnology Research at ASU

Adsorption for Arsenic (IV)• TiO2, Fe2O3, NiO and ZrO2 nanoparticles exhibit good potential for the removal of arsenic in water.

0.01

0.1

1

10

100

0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1

C(mg/L)

q(m

g/g

)

NiO pH = 8.4 ± 0.1

Fe2O3 pH = 6.7 ± 0.3

TiO2 pH = 6.7 ± 0.1

ZrO2 pH = 6.7 ± 0.1

Isotherm fitting of collected data for the four metal oxide nanoparticles listed above

Nanotechnology Research at ASU

Fate of nanoparticles in aqueous environments:

• Aggregation of metal oxide nanoparticles in water.

• Aggregates of nanoparticles are generally ranging from 200nm to >2 mm.

Aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles in nanopure water over time

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

0 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 12 15 18 21 24

Time (h)

Mea

n P

artic

le S

ize

(nm 0.1mg/l

1mg/l

Nanotechnology Research at ASU

Removal of nanoparticles by conventional flocculation/sedimentation treatment:

• Removal of metal oxides nanoparticles in water is not more than 70%.

• Al(OH)3-nanoparticle flocs settle more easily in nanopure water, compared to tap water.

10mg/l Nanoparticles w ith 20mg/l Alum

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Fe2O3 TiO2 ZnO

Rem

ova

l Rat

io o

f N

ano

par

ticl

es Tap Water

Nanopure Water

Nanotechnology Research at ASU

Bioaccumulation

• TiO2 nanoparticles accumulated faster in carp, compared to arsenic (III).

• High absorption ability of TiO2 nanoparticles to arsenic (III) facilitates transportation of arsenic (III) to carp.

• The presence of TiO2

nanoparticles increases the bioaccumulation of arsenic (III).

0 5 10 15 20 250123456789

As

conc

entr

atio

n ug

/g

Bioaccumulation time (d)

200 ug/l As and 10 mg/l TiO2 200 ug/l As control

The accumulation of As in carp exposed to As-contaminated water both with and without TiO2nanoparticles

Nanotechnology Research at ASU

Cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on epithelial cells • Decreasing in tranepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) after the addition of TiO2 indicates cell death or a weakening of cellular junctions.

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

250.0

300.0

350.0

400.0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Days

Res

ista

nce

(o

hm

/cm

2)

Cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles evaluated by TEER

Filter Inserts (Side View)

Voltohmmetermeasure resistance

Nanotechnology Life Cycle

• Windows of opportunity for shaping technology throughout its life cycle.

• The importance of the R&D stages as well as product design in avoiding potentially adverse effects related to nanotechnologies.

Source: Michael Steinfeldt, et al., Nanotechnology and Sustainability

Future of Nanotechnology Research

Nanotechnology exhibit significant potential for sustainability by benefiting resources, environment and society, but risk of adverse effects of nanoparticles should not be neglected. Future work will aim to:

– How to expand basic understanding of mechanisms specific at nanoscale?

– What are more effective ways to synthesize, assemble, utilize functional nano-structured materials?

– How to develop instrumentation and technology based on nanomaterials?

– Which ways to release nanoparticles into environment and body?

– Which aspects do adverse effects of nanoparticles include?

– How to evaluate the risk of nanoparticles, such as toxicity? Should standard methods be established?

– Etc.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Barbara Karn, Barbara Karn, A. Pham, Bill Clayton, A. Pham, Bill Clayton, Brent Erickson, Brent Erickson, Jonathan Dordick, Kevin Ausman, Michael Steinfeldt,Jonathan Dordick, Kevin Ausman, Michael Steinfeldt,

Ulrich Petschow, Rüdiger Haum, Arnim v. Gleich Ulrich Petschow, Rüdiger Haum, Arnim v. Gleich

Arizona State University, College of Technology, IMT Arizona State University, College of Technology, IMT Department, Environmental Technology LabDepartment, Environmental Technology Lab

Awwa Research Foundation Project #3077Awwa Research Foundation Project #3077

RD831713RD831713

P. Westerhoff, Y. Chen, J. Crittenden, D. Capco, Y. Zhang, K. HrP. Westerhoff, Y. Chen, J. Crittenden, D. Capco, Y. Zhang, K. Hristovski, B. Koenemanistovski, B. Koeneman

Related Websites:Related Websites:

http://www.nano.gov

http://www.nanopore.com

http://www.research.philips.com/newscenter/pictures

http://www.amsuper.com/products/htsWire/2GWireTechnology.cfm

http://www.aip.org/pt/vol-57/iss-12/p39.html

http://nano.mtu.edu/ HydrogenFuelCell_start.html

http://www.pathnet.org

http://www.azom.com

http://doegenomestolife.org/ benefits/cleanup.shtml

http://www.evidenttech.com

http://www.nanopathology.it