Nanotechnology Flashcards

Flashcards about Nanotechnology

Why is 'Nano' interesting?

High surface-to-volume ratio, different reactivity, new properties, different interaction with light, and scale of small biological structures.

What are the structural differences on the nanoscale?

High percentage of surface atoms, spatial confinement, and reduced imperfections.

What happens to physical properties at very small sizes?

Magnetic, electric, and optical properties can change dramatically at very small sizes.

What are some applications of nanotechnology?

Antibacterial effects of silver, self-cleaning windows, stainproof clothing, microchips, sunscreens, and cosmetics.

Give examples of nanotechnology applications in different products.

Envirox™ cerium oxide (catalysts), SAMMS technology (nanoremediation), photographic paper, nanofiber filters, toothpaste, food packaging, paint, clothes, batteries, and cleaning products.

Why is there a lot of interest/concern about nanotechnology?

Enormous potential, huge gaps in knowledge concerning possible risks, difficulty in detecting and removing, and absence of regulation.

What are potential risks associated with nanotechnology?

Adverse health effects in humans, adverse effects on the environment, potentially explosive properties of nanostructures, and 'grey goo'.

What are risk assessment problems associated with nanotechnology?

Difficult to detect, hard to predict behavior in the environment, small size allows easier body entry, higher reactivity due to surface area, potential to adsorb toxic chemicals, and unknown persistence in the environment and body.

What are toxicological difficulties with nanotechnology?

Unique toxicological profile for each structure, standardized terminology agreed recently, particle size may be less important than surface characteristics, and standard dose-response tests may not be appropriate.

What are some materials & chemistry applications of carbon nanotubes?

Ceramic and metallic CNT composites, polymer CNT composites, coatings, membranes and catalysis, tips of Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM).

What are some Medicine & Life Science applications of carbon nanotubes?

Medical diagnosis (e.g. Lab on a Chip (LOC)), medical applications (e.g. drug delivery), chemical sensors, filters for water and food treatment.

What are some Electronics & ICT applications of carbon nanotubes?

Lighting elements, CNT-based field emission displays, microelectronics, molecular computing and data storage, electromechanical sensors, MEMS.

What are some Energy applications of carbon nanotubes?

Hydrogen storage, energy storage (super capacitors), solar cells, fuel cells, superconductive materials.

Why have carbon nanotubes raised concerns?

Superficial likeness to asbestos fibers and extreme durability, potential exposures during manufacturing, processing, product use and disposal.

How is nanotechnology likely to be regulated?

Current regulations/legislation will be adapted to take account of developments at the nanoscale.

What are the areas of review by the European Commission on the regulatory aspects of nanotechnology?

Chemicals (REACH), worker protection (e.g. Directive 89/391/EEC), products (e.g. General Product Safety Directive), environmental protection (e.g. Directive 2006/12/EC on waste)

What are Nanotechnology and product liability issues?

New technology and the concept of 'defect', development risks.

What factors influence nanotechnology and product liability?

Regulatory intervention and regulatory compliance, implications of REACH-style regulation, relative responsibilities (innovators, other suppliers, regulators).