Scientists from the public, private and philanthropic sectors involved in the Nano4EARTH initiative have identified key research directions to maximise the impact of nanotechnology in addressing climate change. They focus on enhancing energy storage, reducing industrial carbon emissions and improving efficiency in industrial processes. With careful consideration of safe and sustainable by design principles, nanotechnology has the potential to drive innovation and promote sustainability in the fight against climate change.

The US National Nanotechnology Challenge on climate change: Nano4EARTH

A multi-stakeholder group of nanotechnology scientists from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors recently discussed how nanotechnology could help address challenges faced by the earth and its environment. These discussions were held in the context of the National Nanotechnology Challenge on climate change, launched by the US National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) under the initiative called Nano4EARTH. Nano4EARTH aims to mobilise the nanotechnology community in developing climate change solutions that promote innovation while safeguarding the well-being of workers, consumers, and the environment.

Investment in nanotechnology applications pays off

Over the last 20 years, there have been substantial investments in nanotechnology, which have yielded impressive returns. In the US alone, an estimated investment of $42 billion has resulted in a projected $1 trillion return to the economy. Nanotechnology has already brought significant advancements to various sectors, including dramatically reducing power consumption and miniaturisation in the semiconductor industry, increasing efficiency in photovoltaic devices, and rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines using lipid nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology solutions for climate change

Climate change poses one of humanity’s greatest challenges, leading to more frequent and intense climate extremes, such as heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, and increased extinction rates. Nano4EARTH scientists discussed four high-potential application areas of nanotechnology that can accelerate progress in reducing greenhouse gasses and reliance on fossil-based products.

Batteries and energy storage

Using nanomaterials in traditional battery electrode configurations enhances power density and reduces recharge time. New electrode designs incorporating nanomaterials require less material volume due to increased electrode surface area.

Nanocatalysts to decarbonise industries

Nanocatalysts, often consisting of advanced materials, can enable low-carbon emission processes for producing greenhouse gas-intensive materials and fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, iron, petrochemicals, plastics, and steel, which currently rely heavily on hydrocarbons throughout their production chain.

Nanotechnology-enabled solutions for friction reduction at interfaces

Interfacial inefficiencies related to coatings, lubricants, and membranes affect many industrial processes. It is estimated that reducing these inefficiencies could save nearly 11% of total energy use in the United States. Several nanomaterials, including graphene, MXenes, and diamond-like carbon, have already achieved so-called superlubricity, reducing energy use.

Greenhouse gas capture and storage

Carbon management, which includes point-source carbon capture/storage, direct air capture, and land sink approaches, is another key enabler for greenhouse gas reduction targets. Nano-enabled capture solutions comprise nanoporous polymers, low-dimensional nanomaterials, nanocatalytic CO2 conversion, and nanostructured ionic liquids.

The role of nanotechnology to achieve global emission targets by 2050

Nanotechnology presents a unique opportunity to help achieve global net-zero emission targets by 2050 and to substantially reduce emissions by 2030. The US National Nanotechnology Initiative recommends focusing on high-emission sectors such as buildings, electricity, industry, and transportation. Urgent action is needed to rapidly scale up and implement new climate mitigation solutions, leveraging successful nanotechnology applications. Given the severity and urgency of the issue, it is important to address not only the technical potential of this technology but also the economic, manufacturing, workforce, and adoption hurdles that could hinder progress. Prioritising technologies that can be incorporated into existing infrastructure and supply chains and using earth-abundant materials, such as biomass, may facilitate adoption. For instance, public-private partnerships may help manufacture alternatives to fossil-based products and create jointly other climate solutions that reduce CO2. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence tools are being developed to advance low-technology-readiness innovations toward commercial deployment.

Reflections by RIVM

Significant investments have been made in nanotechnology over the past few decades, and this effort is now paying off. Climate change is a critical issue that demands immediate attention, and it is essential to apply the wealth of knowledge gained from advanced nanotechnology applications to mitigate its effects. Nano4EARTH has identified four nanotechnology applications that can help reduce greenhouse gasses and reliance on fossil-based products, which is a sensible approach. Currently, various efforts are underway in the US and Europe to advance nanotechnology in these four areas. RIVM is confident that these efforts will be successful and provide viable options for addressing climate change as long as the principles of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) are appropriately incorporated into the new applications.