Nanotechnology: Environmental Applications - Resources for the ...

Nanotechnology:
Environmental Applications
Resources for the Future
First Wednesday Seminar Series
Washington, D.C.
June 6, 2007
Marti Otto
Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Otto.martha@epa.gov

Outline
• U.S. EPA and nanotechnology
• Environmental applications
• Outreach and publications
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U.S. EPA’s s Mission
To Protect Human Health and
the Environment
Gallium Phosphide (GaP) Nanotrees
(Prof. Lars Samuelson, Lund University, Sweden
[Dick et al. 2004])
Zinc oxide nanostructures synthesized
by a vapor-solid process. (Image courtesy of
Prof. Zhong Win Lang of Georgia Tech
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The Challenge
Use nanotechnology to:
…Help clean up past environmental damage
…Correct present environmental problems
…Prevent future environmental impacts
…Help sustain the planet for future generations
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Extramural Research At EPA
Applications
• Address existing
environmental problems
or future environmental
problems
• Approximately $15.6 M as
of January 2007
www.sciencejobs.com
Implications
• Address the interactions of nanomaterials with the
environment and any potential risks that may be
posed by nanotechnology
• Approximately $17.6 M as of January 2007,
excluding ultrafine
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EPA Extramural Research
• Manufactured nanomaterials: physico-chemical
principles of biocompatibility and toxicity
– Joint research solicitation:
NIEHS, NIOSH, NSF, EPA
– Closed January 2007
– $7 M
• Environmental effects of manufactured nanomaterials
– Joint research solicitation:
DOE, NSF, EPA
– Opened May 21, 2007; Closes August 22, 2007
– $8 M to $9 M
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EPA Science to Achieve Results (STAR)
Nanotechnology Grants
Totals through January 2007
$1,831,490
$790,000 $774,626
$2,393,000
$7,184,159
$3,433,394
$4,564,000
$6,795,203 $1,817,089
Aerosol LCA Grn Man Remed Sensor Trtmnt Fate/Trn Tox Expos
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EPA and Nanotechnology
EPA Nanotechnology White Paper, February 15, 2007
(available at http://www.epa.gov/OSA/nanotech.htm )
• Environmental
benefits
• Risk assessment
• Responsible
development
• Research
recommendations
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Environmental Applications
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Diversity across classes of
nanoscale materials
Single and multi walled nanotubes
Fullerenes
Nanoshells
Metal oxides
Dendrimers
Quantum dots
Nanosomes
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Environmental Applications of
Nanotechnology
• Treatment/Remediation
• Sensors
• Green Manufacturing
• Energy
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Environmental Applications:
Superfund Opportunities
• Treatment/Remediation
• Real-time monitoring
and detection
Macalloy Corp. Site, North Charleston, SC,
1000th Superfund site completed
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Environmental Applications:
Treatment/Remediation,
Characterization and Monitoring
• Sensors to detect chemical and biological
agents
• Nanofiltration for more efficient filters
• Particles including zeolites, nanoscale
magnetite, dendrimers, and tunable
biopolymers to scavenge metals
• Nanocomposites to remove metals from
smokestack emissions
• Nanoscale photocatalysts, nanoscale zerovalent
iron, and polymeric nanoparticles to
address organic contaminants
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Environmental Applications: Nanosized
Iron for Groundwater Remediation
Environmental
Science & Technology
Wei-xian Zhang, Lehigh University
Environmental
Nanotechnology
Smaller sized iron particles
More complete reduction of
chlorinated hydrocarbons
PUBLISHED BY
THE AMERICAN
CHEMICAL SOCIETY
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Environmental Applications:
Mercury Thiol-SAMMS
A Nanoporous Functionalized Ceramic Support
Shas Mattigod, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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Environmental Applications:
Targeted Heavy Metal Binding
Elastin Domain Metal Binding Domain
Fine tune delta T by controlling amino acid
sequence and no. of repeating unit (VPGXG) n
Fine tune affinity
with different
binding
sequence
Utilization of a non-toxic polymer to bind heavy
metals like arsenic in water or soil
Wilfred Chen, University of CA, Riverside
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Environmental Applications:
Monitoring and Detection
Electrode
connection
Long shielded cable
Quick disconnect
environmentally-sealed
connector
PVC type housing
Working electrode
Counter electrode
Reference electrode
Remote electrochemical and bio-sensors
J. Wang, Arizona State University
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Environmental Applications:
Manufacturing
• Possible improvements to manufacturing processes,
reducing the amounts of materials needed
– Improved catalytic converters: potential reduction
by up to 95% of the amount of platinum group
metals required
– Lead-free conductive adhesives formed from selfassembled
monolayers based on nanotechnology:
potential replacement for lead solder
• Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs)
– Potential display technology substitute for cathode
ray tubes, which contain lead.
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Environmental Applications:
Energy
• Lighter materials for vehicles:
increased fuel efficiency
• Materials to increase efficiencies of
electrical components and transmission lines
• Nanomaterials arranged in superlattices that could
allow the generation of electricity from waste heat
in consumer appliances, automobiles, and
industrial processes
• Materials that could contribute to a
new generation of photovoltaic cells
and fuel cells
Volkswagen Nanospider
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Outreach and Publications
• Workshops on Nanotechnology for Site
Remediation
http://www.frtr.gov/nano
http://esc.syrres.com/nanotech/
• Issues area on CLU-IN website
http://clu-in.org/nano
• Series of Internet Seminars on Nano and Superfund
http://clu-in.org/training
• EPA ORD nanotechnology website
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/nano/index.html
• Upcoming Superfund fact sheet on nanotechnology
for site remediation
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For More Information
Marti Otto
Technology Innovation and Field Services Division
USEPA’s Office of Superfund Remediation
and Technology Innovation
703.603.8853
Otto.martha@epa.gov
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