The progress of nanoscience to combat climate change

Friday, April 18, 2008

Minister for the Environment Phil Woolas considers the benefits and barriers that nanoscience poses in fighting climate change.

At a time when humanity faces its greatest environmental challenges, discoveries in nanoscience are bringing the possibility of a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future nearer to reality. There are indications that nanoscience could be an enabler to the environmental agenda, as it is in healthcare, electronics, construction, leisure, IT, clothing and so many other aspects of our everyday lives.

As part of our research programme, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) recently commissioned a study that looked at some of the more promising environmental applications of nanotechnologies, particularly those that may help bring about reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In carrying out this research, our consultants, Oakdene Hollins Limited, were asked to test some of the claims being made and identify those nano-applications that might help us to respond to the environmental challenges faced by society.

The resulting report 'Environmentally beneficial nanotechnologies: barriers and opportunities'¹ was published in May 2007. It provides a detailed examination of current and foreseen applications of nanoscience in the areas of photovoltaics, insulation, electricity storage, engine efficiency and hydrogen use.

The researchers were able to cite many areas of the climate change agenda where nanoscience has already made significant and measurable contributions. For example, the increased catalytic properties of some nanomaterials have led to the development of more powerful batteries, which can be more rapidly charged and discharged. Although these have been pioneered and proven in the electronics and IT fields, the report recommends that industry and governments do more to encourage more European research into electric cars. Here it is felt that continuing advances in nanotechnology could lead to the breakthroughs needed to enable battery driven cars to be quickly recharged.

The report also explores the potential uses of hydrogen as a fuel source, which is seen by some as the glittering prize of nano-enabled environmental innovation. By using renewable energy sources to generate hydrogen, the report foresees the elimination of all greenhouse gas emissions from transport. However, clean hydrogen generation is but one of three technological hurdles that must be overcome before the hydrogen economy takes off – the other two being the development of hydrogen fuel cells and a viable means of hydrogen storage. Although it is currently estimated that the hydrogen economy is some 40 years from realisation, its prospect is proving worthy of the efforts of many leaders in the research communities and automotive industries. Here, nanoscience is seen as a key enabler and the report recommends that Government continues to support the UK's burgeoning hydrogen research base and that we maintain the funding of demonstration projects, such as hydrogen powered bus services.

Of course, new infrastructures needed to support the recharging of electric cars, or refuelling of hydrogen powered vehicles present significant barriers to widespread adoption. Hydrocarbons have formed the bedrock of modern society and our energy infrastructure has been developed to exploit these fuel stocks for transportation, electricity generation and heating. The logistical and economic costs of changing this system can hardly be overstated. However, change is imperative if we are to reduce our dependence on these non-renewable energy sources. Dwindling supplies, geopolitical forces and the environmental impact of releasing 25 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere are irrefutable drivers for change.

The report also looks at a number of areas where nanotechnologies are already helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions. For example, nanotechnology has enabled ultra-thin glass coatings to reduce heat loss through windows, and nanoparticulate additives are known to improve diesel engine efficiency, resulting in annual UK savings of two to three million tonnes of CO2. However, such gains must be tempered by the uncertainties surrounding the health and environmental impacts of nanoparticles in exhaust emissions.

We are, in many respects, ill-equipped to live with nanotechnologies. We lack fundamental understanding of the nature and behaviour of most nanomaterials. We have not yet determined the methods or developed the tools that might enable us to measure nanoparticles or accurately gauge their presence in the air, soil or water. Most importantly, we know little about how nanoparticles might affect human health or the environment. Moving towards answers to these basic questions is a priority for governments, industry and research communities throughout the world.

There is little doubt that the future success of nanoscience will be determined by public trust. We need to win that trust by showing that Government, industry and researchers can work together in gathering evidence and exercising sensible precaution. The success of Defra's Voluntary Reporting Scheme for Manufactured Nanomaterials² will be a measure of industry's commitment to working with Government in fostering the responsible stewardship of nanoscience and putting in place the most appropriate control regime.

The challenges posed by nanoscience are formidable and far more than can be achieved by any single country or industrial body. For this reason the UK Government has led the international effort to promote dialogue and facilitate exchange of information. These international links, particularly via the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Commission, are allowing the research effort to be shared between countries, enabling co-ordinated progress to be made, while making the best use of resources and avoiding unnecessary duplication. This will build on the UK's extensive research programme³ that aims to gather evidence on the human health and environmental risks posed by nanotechnologies.

The 'Environmentally beneficial nanotechnologies: barriers and opportunities' report gives a useful account of the current state of nano-innovation in this important area. It tells us that a great deal of research has been undertaken, identifying some potentially enormous benefits to humanity. However, this research has largely been concentrated in innovation and, thus, only paints a partial picture. Insufficient effort has gone into the fundamental questions of toxicity and exposure. Unless we can get answers to these questions, we will be unable to proceed without the possibility of running high risks, both to ourselves and the planet. By achieving partnerships between science, Government and industry, we are better able to make responsible progress.

It is hard to think of a greater challenge than climate change, nor a more worthwhile prize. Things are moving quickly and we must all accept our responsibilities and act on them to ensure that nanoscience lives up to its promise and continues to deliver benefits today and for the future.

1 The 'Environmentally beneficial nanotechnologies: barriers and opportunities' report can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/nanotech/policy/index.htm.
2 Details of Defra's voluntary reporting scheme for manufactured nanomaterials can be found at: www.Defra.gov.uk/environmental/nanotech/policy/index.htm.
3 Details of the UK's nanotechnologies research programme can be found at: www.Defra.gov.uk/environmental/nanotech/index.htm.