Analysis of Nanotechnology from an Industrial Ecology ... - denix

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DRAFT - Inventory and Evaluation of Life Cycle Assessments of Nanotechnologies Lipsticks; Skin creams; Toothpaste Displays Data memory Laser diodes; Fiber optics; Optical switches; Filters; Conductive, antistatic coatings Energy Lighting Fuel cells; Solar cells; Batteries; Capacitors Engineering Protective coatings for tools, machines; Lubricant-free bearings Environmental Environmental monitoring; Soil and groundwater remediation Toxic exposure sensors; Fuel changing catalysts; Green chemistry Food and Drink Packaging; Storage life sensors; Additives; Juice clarifiers Household Ceramic coatings for irons; Odor removers; Cleaners for glass, ceramics, metals Medicine Drug delivery systems; Contrast medium; Rapid testing systems; Prostheses and implants; Antimicrobial agents; In-body diagnostic systems Sports Ski wax; Tennis rackets; Golf clubs; Tennis balls; Antifouling coatings for boats; Antifogging coatings for glasses, goggles Textiles Surface coatings; “Smart” clothes (anti-wrinkle, stain resistant, temperature controlled) Warfare Neutralization materials for chemical weapons a Source: VDI 2004 and Hood 2004. b Source: Azonano.com 2005. Steinfeldt et al. 2004 - semiconductor crystals in Organic Light Emitter Displays b and carbon nanotubes Steinfeldt et al. 2004 - quantum dots and semiconductor crystals in Light Emitting Diodes b 5.3 Life Stages Assessed The LCAs presented here have addressed some, but not all life stages. In Table 5, the life stages included for each study are denoted with an “X.” All of these studies addressed the use phase, and all, except the LCA on LEDs and quantum dots, assessed the production phase. Impacts during transportation and end-of-life (landfilling, recycling, reuse, composting, or incineration) were areas least addressed by the studies. Researchers left these and other life stages out of the scope of particular LCAs primarily due to a lack of data or because they deemed such life stages upfront to have minimal impact. For instance, Volz and Olson indicate: “other processes such as transportation, oil refining, reuse, maintenance, and incineration have been excluded from this LCA due to lack of data or inconsistency of data.” This was not surprising given that estimating 14
DRAFT - Inventory and Evaluation of Life Cycle Assessments of Nanotechnologies uncertain transportation and end-of-life impacts would require a great deal of speculation. However, qualitative assessments would have added value to the studies. Table 5: Life Stages Assessed in the Identified LCAs of Nanotechnologies Reference, Product Extraction Production Transportation Use End-of-Life Lloyd and Lave 2003, X X X clay-polypropylene nano-composite in light-duty vehicle body panels Lloyd et al. 2005, nano-scale platinumgroup metal particles in automotive catalysts X X (criteria air pollutant emissions) Volz and Olson 2004 submitted, carbon nanofiber reinforced polymers Steinfeldt et al. 2004 - citing Harsch & Schuckert 1996, nano-varnishes Steinfeldt et al. 2004, nanotube catalytic converter to produce styrol Steinfeldt et al. 2004, OLEDs and CNT-FED flat displays Steinfeldt et al. 2004, white LEDs and quantum dots X (certain processes) X X estimated based on production energy use X X X X (components and varnish) X X estimated based on production energy use X X X Note: X = addressed in the study. Blank cells = not addressed in the study. 5.4 Life Cycle Benefits and Costs X X estimated based on production energy use X X X estimated based on production energy use Most of the LCAs found a reduced overall environmental impact across the product life cycle compared to current technology. Specific benefits identified with the use of the nano-based material for the life stages inventoried included: • Increased energy efficiency (for the nano-composite in light-duty vehicle body panels compared with steel or aluminum, nano-scale platinum-group metal particles in auto catalysts, nanotube catalytic converters, nano-based flat displays, white LEDs when compared to conventional light bulb) • Increased resource efficiency (for nano-varnishes, nano-based flat displays). • Reduced fuel use (for the nano-composite in light-duty vehicle body panels, nano-scale platinum-group metal particles in auto catalysts • Reduced water use (for the nano-composite in light-duty vehicle body panels • Reduced heavy metal use (for nanotube catalytic converters) • Lowered greenhouse gas emissions (for the nano-composite in light-duty vehicle body panels, nano-scale platinum-group metal particles in auto catalysts, and nano-varnishes). 15
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