Greenhouse gasses, global warming, decarbonization, biodiversity loss, renewable energy, fossil fuels. You’ve probably heard these terms a million times. It is a widely acknowledged fact that climate change is “bad”. Yet, warming only continues to accelerate as we currently find ourselves in the midst of truly alarming levels of temperature rise.
Many proposals have been made in attempts at mitigating climate change. Widespread transitions to renewable energy, strict environmental regulations, governmental policies, clean infrastructure – all of which are large in scope and magnitude.
However, what if the true answer to the climate crisis is really just a couple of nanometers in size? Well, nanotechnology, the science and engineering of manipulating matter at the nanoscale (one billionth of a meter), presents itself as a possibility for addressing the emergency.
Working at the nanoscale allows for the manipulating of physical and chemical properties of materials – presenting a wide variety of uses. From nanomedicine to nanoelectronics, applications of the field can be found in various industries.
Notably, nanotechnology has been brought into use within renewable energy. Ranging from environmental remediation to clean energy generation, nanotechnology holds great potential for playing a role in combating climate change and mitigating its effects.
First, there is the case of clean energy. Nanomaterials can enhance solar panel efficiency as the particles can be engineered to absorb a broader spectrum of sunlight. For example, nanostructured solar cells use quantum dots, or nanocrystals, that can absorb specific wavelengths of light more effectively than bulk materials. This significantly enhances the plates’ overall efficiency.
Nanotech also offers potential to improve turbine blades for wind energy production. Considering the fact that the performance of wind turbines is directly contingent on the blades’ design and material composition, incorporating nanocomposites could significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the blades by providing advanced coatings. Additionally, nanoparticles can also improve overall functionality by enhancing energy storage and transmission systems.
Next, there is also the case of hydrogen storage which is useful for clean energy production. Compared to traditional methods, nanomaterials can absorb hydrogen at lower pressures and higher densities. They can also facilitate quicker hydrogen absorption and desorption, leading to increased storage capacity.
Now, while creating clean energy is an important factor in the fight against climate change, what do we do about already-existing emissions? Well, carbon-capture technologies are gaining more and more traction, with nanotechnology becoming increasingly incorporated.
For example, nanostructured filters can be used to capture and convert CO2 from the atmosphere. Additionally, nano-enhanced catalysts can speed up the chemical reactions needed to break down greenhouse gases.
Nanotechnology is even being developed for something called ‘artificial photosynthesis’, where highly efficient nano-sized catalysts mimic the natural process of photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide into useful fuels.
So, we know that nanotechnology can be used to both prevent and take out emissions. However, its use doesn’t just end there. Nanotechnology is also on its way to play a role in environmental cleanup, providing a way to address the existing physical toll emissions have on the environment.
Nano-membranes can remove pollutants and heavy metals from water, allowing water molecules to pass through while capturing larger contaminant particles like metal ions. This same process can be applied for a variety of other issues as well. For example, nanosponges could play a promising role in oil spill cleanup due to tiny structures that can selectively absorb quantities of oil from water. Additionally, applications of nanotechnology can also be extended to pollution detection and remediation, with different kinds of nanomaterials used for processes like adsorption and other reduction methods for removing concentrations of pollutants in the environment.
Now, while the speculative benefits of various nanotechnology developments are endless, the technology does not come without its concerns. While nanotech is being leveraged within the green-tech industry, some do believe that it could do more harm than good for the environment.
Specifically, there is notable concern over nanomaterial accumulation, causing toxicity to organisms and leading to widespread ecosystem disruption – potentially impacting soil, water, plants, animals, and even humans.
And, even if proven to be a beneficial and safe idea, there would still be the challenge of widespread implementation. Several barriers present themselves when thinking of deterrents to large-scale deployment. In addition to concerns about the potential health and environmental risks of nanomaterials, there is also the case of high production costs and difficulty in understanding the unique characteristics of the tech itself.
So, shifting the focus away from future implications of the technology, what is the state of nanotech looking like today? Well, it is advancing quickly, with various applications in numerous industries. Research and testing are underway, indicating potential for significant impact, especially in the case of clean energy.
Ask yourself, do you truly believe that something so tiny could have such a profound impact for the future of climate mitigation? Will the flaws and barriers of the technology be overcome with further development, or will it just be another failed attempt at solving warming? Either way, the technology is certainly here to stay.
Written by Saanvika Gandhari
