Evaluation of 'Green' Nanotechnology Requires a Full Life Cycle Assessment
Summary posted by Meridian on 2/25/2009
Source: Nanowerk
Author: Michael Berger
This article argues that as nanotechnology and nanomaterials become more ubiquitous in our everyday lives, there will need to be an increasing focus on the environmental footprint that the production of various nanomaterials creates. According to Vikas Khanna, a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Ohio State University, "[L]ife cycle studies of emerging nanotechnologies are susceptible to huge uncertainties due to issues of data quality and the rapidly evolving nature of the production processes. With missing data about the large scale impact of nanotechnology, life cycle assessments of potential nanoproducts should form an integral part of nanotechnology research at early stages of decision making as it can help in the screening of different process alternatives." Khanna and colleagues conducted research on the life cycle of carbon nanofiber (CNF) reinforced polymer nanocomposite (PNC) materials used in automotive body panels, and compared it with that of conventional materials. They found that the CNF-based PNCs are 1.6-12 times more energy intensive compared with traditional steel. Further study, however, showed that the material has the potential for net life cycle fossil energy savings due to the improved fuel economy benefits during the use phase of the vehicle. The article points out that this type of research - life cycle analysis - is critical to ensure a safe and sustainable development of emerging nanotechnologies. The article can be viewed online at the link below.
The original article may still be available at www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=9386.php
As tagged by Meridian Institute:
Implications:
Human Enhancement, Human Health Risks, Worker Safety, Governance, Environmental Risks, Ethics
Nanomaterials:
Carbon Nanoparticle, Metal Nanoparticle, Naturally Occurring
Regions:
North America
Stakeholders:
Government, Industry, NGO, Academia, International Institutions
Environment:
Green Nanotechnology
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