A Scientific Perspective on the Need for and Future of Nanotechnology

Joseph M. Pickel

August 20, 2007 American Chemical Society

Fall 2007 Meeting

OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Presentation Outline

•  What is Nanotechnology (Definitions and history) •  Conceptions of Nano (Visions and possibilities) •  Perceptions of Nano (Concerns both genuine

and mythological) •  Current Science of Nanotechnology (Realities

and what’s out there today)

What is Nanoscience?

•  A revolution in the way we look at the physical world

•  Fills a gap between single atoms/molecules and larger microstructures

•  Addresses materials behavior at dimensions of 1-100 nm

–  Properties depend on size (quantum mechanics)

–  New and unexpected phenomena –  Requires atom-by-atom assembly

•  The Challenge: How to use atoms, molecules, and nanoscale materials as building blocks for larger assemblies with new functionalities

•  Inherently multidisciplinary: –  Chemistry, physics, biology, engineering,

mathematics, computer science….

DNA ~2-1/2 nm diameter

Things Natural Things Manmade

MicroElectroMechanical Devices 10 -100 µm wide

Red blood cells Pollen grain

Fly ash ~ 10-20 µm

Atoms of silicon spacing ~tenths of nm

Head of a pin 1-2 mm

Quantum corral of 48 iron atoms on copper surface

positioned one at a time with an STM tip Corral diameter 14 nm

Human hair ~ 10-50 µm wide

Red blood cells with white cell

~ 2-5 µm

Ant ~ 5 mm

The Scale of Things -- Nanometers and More

The

Mic

row

orld

0.1 nm

1 nanometer (nm)

0.01 µm 10 nm

0.1 µm 100 nm

1 micrometer (µm)

0.01 mm 10 µm

0.1 mm 100 µm

1 millimeter (mm)

1 cm 10 mm

10-2 m

10-3 m

10-4 m

10-5 m

10-6 m

10-7 m

10-8 m

10-9 m

10-10 m

Visi

ble

spec

trum

The

Nan

owor

ld

1,000 nanometers =

1,000,000 nanometers =

Dust mite 200 µm

ATP synthase

~10 nm diameter

Nanotube electrode

Carbon nanotube ~2 nm diameter

Nanotube transistor

O O

O

OO

O OO O OO OO

O

S

O

S

O

S

O

S

O

S

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S

O

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PO

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21st Century Challenge

Combine nanoscale building blocks to make functional devices, e.g., a photosynthetic reaction center with integral semiconductor storage

Nanotechnology is the Science of Interfaces

•  Surface effects For 30 nm particle: 5 % of atoms are on surface For 3 nm particle: 50 % of atoms are on surface

•  Interfaces of Scientific Disciplines – Materials, biological, physical sciences all

contribute!

Richard Feynman’s Vision: “There’s plenty of room at the bottom”

•  Why can’t we manipulate materials atom by atom?

•  Why can’t we control the synthesis of individual molecules?

•  Why can’t we write all of human knowledge on the head of a pin?

•  Why can’t we build machines to accomplish these things?

•  Nobel Laureate, Physics 1965

• New tools for atomic-scale characterization • New capabilities for single atom/molecule manipulation • Computational access to large systems of atoms

and long time scales • Convergence of scientific-disciplines at the nanoscale • The baby now has a name!

Why now? What has changed?

Pre-existing NANO Conditions

“Oh yeah, nanotechnology — we used to call that 'chemistry.‘”

- Anonymous quote in Road & Track Magazine

Natural Nanomaterials – Biomaterials with

nanometer-scale dimensions have existed on Earth as long as life has! (C&E News)

– DNA (~2-1/2 nm)

Man-Made Nanomaterials – Carbon Black (used in

tires since WWII) – Fumes – Combustion products

•  Diesel Exhaust •  Campfires •  BURNT TOAST!

Nanotechnology in the 21st Century

• Dramatic advances at the frontiers of physics, chemistry, materials sciences, and biology

• New products and services for medicine, materials, information technology, energy, environment, biotechnology, and national security

• Broad engagement of the public to address societal implications

Nanoscience will change the nature of almost every human-made object in the next century. National Science and Technology Council, 2000

Potential Impact of Nanoscience and Technology: Humanity’s top ten problems

for next 50 years

Energy Water Food Environment Poverty Terrorism & war Disease Education Democracy Population 2004 6.5 Billion People

2050 ~ 10 Billion People

The Promise of Nanotechnology   More powerful computers and

information storage devices   Fast chemical analyses using

minute quantities of materials   New approaches for medical

diagnosis, treatment, and drug delivery

  New catalysts for cleaner, more efficient chemical and energy industries

  100-times stronger than current materials

•  New technologies for energy production and conversion (fuel cells, solid-state lighting, photovoltaics) •  Next-generation superconductors for more efficient energy transmission

What if we could build an elevator to space...

•  Arthur Clarke envisioned this two decades ago in his science fiction book, The Fountains of Paradise

•  Carbon nanotubes, new materials discovered in the 1990s, offer the first hope of doing this

Economic Impact of Nanotechnology

Market Size Predictions (within a decade)* $340B/yr Materials $300B/yr Electronics $180B/yr Pharmaceuticals $100B/yr Chemical manufacture $ 70B/yr Aerospace $ 20B/yr Tools $ 30B/yr Improved healthcare $ 45B/yr Sustainability

$1 Trillion per year by 2015 *Estimates by industry groups, source: NSF

U.S. Industry is Serious About Nanotechnology

General Electric 2003 Annual Report: “To Defeat the Commodity Threat”

•  Fuel Cells •  Hydrogen •  Photovoltaics •  Turbines

“Next Generation Energy” “Molecular Medicine” “Nanotechnology”

•  Molecular diagnostics

•  Molecular imaging •  Molecular

knowledge

•  Nano for energy •  Nano for healthcare •  Nano for advanced

materials •  Nano for

transportation

Government Responses to Nanotechnology

1997 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Europe 126 200 270 400 650 900

Japan 120 245 465 650 810 920

USA 116 270 465 604 862 961

Others 70 110 380 520 800 920

Total 432 825 1580 2174 3122 3701

Estimated government-sponsored nanoscience R&D in $ millions/year

NSF 305 DOD 276 DOE 211 NIH 89 NIST 53 NASA 35 Others 13 FY 05 $982M

FY 06 > $1B

U.S. budget by agency

Sep 1998 The Interagency Working Group on Nanoscience, Engineering, and Technology (IWGNSET) formed by the NSTC. The IWG meets monthly. Participating agencies: NSF, DOE, DOD, NIH, NASA, DOC/NIST and later also CIA, DOJ, DOS, DOT, DOTreas, EPA, NRC, USDA

Aug 1999 The IWG releases National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) report after extensive input from the scientific community

Aug-Nov 1999 BES reports Complex Systems: Science for the 21st Century http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/complexsystems.htm Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Research Directions http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/nanoscale.html Sep-Oct 1999 The six principal agencies brief OMB and a PCAST panel charged to the review the proposed NNI

Feb 2000 The NNI is initiated as part of the FY 2001 budget request

Fall 2001- Spring 2002 National Academy of Sciences reviews the NNI activities

Spring 2003 NNI: From Vision to Commercialization 2004: Ongoing workshops to elucidate nanoscale science and technology opportunities June 2005: NNI Workshop on X-rays and Neutrons: Essential Tools for Nanoscience Research

National Nanotechnology Initiative

National Nanotechnology Initiative Focus Areas  Long-term, fundamental nanoscience and engineering

research  Centers and networks of excellence

 Nanoscale Science Research Centers – the DOE “flagship” NNI activity

 Research infrastructure  Grand challenge areas

1. Efficient energy conversion and storage 2. Nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and magnetics 3. National security 4. Nanostructured materials “by design” – stronger, lighter, tougher,

harder, self-repairing, and safer 5. Chemical/biological/radiological/explosive (CBRE)detection/protection 6. Nanoscale processes for environmental improvement 7. Economical and safe transportation 8. Advanced healthcare, therapeutics, and diagnostics 9. Microcraft space exploration and industrialization

 Ethical, legal, societal implications and workforce education and training

Everyone wants in on the party: Research

Opportunities

NNI currently consists of 25 government agencies and institutes

Most universities have “NANO” program

Many products containing “NANO” (if in name only) appearing on market

Source: C&E News: April 9, 2007

Everyone wants in on the party: Commercial Opportunities

Common Nanomaterials

Antibacterial Silver ions- coatings on materials, silver ions in solution as antibacterial agents

Computer chips/ data storage- nanoscale feature allow more capacity

Improved Carbon Fiber Composites- silica particles (NANO) are dispersed in CF resins to provide strength

Photo credit: Project on emerging nanotechnologies.

Everyone wants in on the party: Who invited them?

A Challenge for New Technologies: ESH, Ethics, and Social Impact

•  Will Nano parallel the path of other new technologies? –  Asbestos?, DDT?, Nuclear technologies?

•  “Nanotechnology has a unique opportunity…”: The first platform technology that introduces a culture of social sensitivity and environmental awareness early in the lifecycle of the technology.

•  From the UK: Nanotechnology may help the human race to survive the global problems we have created; or it may accelerate our downfall.

•  A focus on ethics: prevent fear and controversy? •  Initial toxicology studies: controversial…

–  Anecdotal more than controlled scientific studies •  Lots of hype – lots of misinformation

–  Grey Goo made famous by Eric Drexler, –  Nanobots by Michael Crichton

The term was first used by molecular nanotechnology pioneer Eric Drexler in his book Engines of Creation. In Chapter 4 Engines Of Abundance Drexler explores a scary scenario of exponential growth with molecular assemblers:

Drexler describes grey goo in Chapter 11 Engines Of Destruction: "...early assembler-based replicators could beat the most advanced modern organisms. "Plants" with "leaves" no more efficient than today's solar cells could out-compete real plants, crowding the biosphere with an inedible foliage. Tough, omnivorous "bacteria" could out-compete real bacteria: they could spread like blowing pollen, replicate swiftly, and reduce the biosphere to dust in a matter of days. Dangerous replicators could easily be too tough, small, and rapidly spreading to stop - at least if we made no preparation. We have trouble enough controlling viruses and fruit flies."

It is thus worth noting that grey goo need not be grey or gooey. They could be like, for all purposes, a plant or bacteria. It is only the result of their ecophagy that would resemble grey goo.

"I wish I had never used the term 'grey goo' " Drexler, Nature 10 June 2004

Grey Goo…. and Nanobots

Nano Safety Issues are a Major Focus of Researchers and Policy Makers

A sampling of the possible pathways a nanomaterial might follow in the environment. Understanding how these pathways work for nanomaterials is key to predicting their environmental impact. Image Credit: Vicki Colvin, Rice University

The Nanoethics Group is a non-partisan and independent organization that studies the ethical and societal implications of nanotechnology. We also engage the public as well as collaborate with nanotech ventures and research institutes on related issues that will impact the industry. By proactively opening a dialogue about the possible misuses and unintended consequences of nanotechnology, the industry can avoid the mistakes that others have made repeatedly in business, most recently in the biotech sector - ignoring the issues, reacting too late and losing the critical battle of public opinion.

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NEWS!

Here are links to the most recent news about us:

MIT Technology Review - First nano-product safety recall? (Apr. 10, 2006)

Nanotechnology Perceptions - "Nanoethics and Human Enhancement: A Critical Evaluation of Recent Arguments" (Mar. 27, 2006)

Press Release - Nanoethics Lecture at International Physics Symposium (Feb. 6, 2006)

ComputerWorld - "Group Calls for Closer Look at Nanotech Ethics, Safety Risks" (Jan. 23, 2006)

Press Release - The Nanoethics Advisory Board (Jan. 23, 2006)

Click here - for more news and announcements.

Call For Papers - We're always interested in the latest thinking in nanoethics, if you have a new paper to contribute for one of our many ongoing projects.

Nano-creations:

"Is it the next best thing to sliced bread...or the next asbestos?" - Dr. Mark Wiesner, professor, Rice University's Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology (CBEN)

Topic of a recent DC Event: “Nanotechnology and Nature: Can we Reduce any Risks & still Reap the Rewards”

We are basing our decisions on speculation, not evidence. Proponents are pressing their views with more PR than scientific data. Indeed, we have allowed the whole issue to be politicized Michael Creighton… Speaking to National Press Club (on Global Warming debate)

Myths to Debunk (Scientifically)!

•  Nanomaterials are appearing on the planet for the first time

•  Nanomaterials though varied, will all have the same hazards

•  Nanotechnology is fully developed and we can contemplate all possible hazards at the present time

•  Nanotechnology hazards that are reflected in science fiction and “visionary predictions” are real

•  Nanobots (grey goo) will envelop us all following this talk

What we’re up against!

New National Poll Finds: More Americans Know Snow White's Dwarfs Than Supreme Court Judges, Homer Simpson Than Homer's Odyssey, and Harry Potter Than Tony Blair

– DULLES, Va. & UTICA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2006-

General Public

Political Knowledge – Then and Now 1989 2007 Diff Percent who could name… % % The current vice president 74 69 -5 Their state’s governor 74 66 -8 The president of Russia* 47 36 -11

Sources: Gold Rush Pop Culture Poll from AOL and Mark Burnett - Conducted by Zogby International Pew Charitable Trust Survey The Lab Safety Institute

“Scientifically Aware”

In a survey of 500 Science Teachers:

-  17% knew what a GFI was -  12% knew the best type of

fire extinguisher for a science lab

-  14% knew the use of MSDSs

-  25% knew chemicals should not be stored alphabetically

And now for something completely different… Some Science

Small is Different •  Quantum mechanics •  Thermal motion •  Electric charge •  Behavior dominated by

surface atoms 4

3

2

1

0 0 20 40 60 80

Plastic depth (nm)

Har

dnes

s (G

Pa)

100 120 140 160

5

6 20 nm alternating Ag/Cr film

Cr

Rule of mixtures value

Ag

Hardness of Silver/Chromium multilayers

Cluster size Fraction of surface atoms

On the surface

Within 1 atom of the surface

106 atoms 0.06 0.12

105 atoms 0.12 0.23

104 atoms 0.25 0.45

103 atoms 0.49 0.78

Nanoclusters are surface systems

Nanoscale structure controls bulk properties

Carbon Nanotube Devices •  Highly-localized fiber optic and electroanalytical probes

–  Applications in sensors, microfluidic detection, and cell imaging

•  DNA delivery •  Neuron interfacing

(sensing and control) •  Field emission and

solid-state lighting

Nanocluster-strengthened Steels

•  Creep rate of nanocluster-strengthened steels is ~6 orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional steels

•  Nanoclusters remain virtually unchanged during long-term creep tests at 850°C •  Nanoscale structure is key to high temperature performance of conventional

steels

Structural Ceramic Nanoengineering

• Dopant additions can alter the reinforcing grains that toughen silicon nitride ceramics

• Using high-resolution electron microscopy and computer simulations, we have learned why these materials are so strong

• These findings provide a basis for the atomic-scale design of advanced ceramics

Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences Oak Ridge National Laboratory

-  DOE BES User Facility -  $65 M construction, $18 M

operating -  7 Scientific Themes

Macromolecular Complex Systems, Theory, Functional Nanomaterials, Catalysis, Nanophysics, Imaging, Bio-Nano/Nanofabrication

Protecting you, our workers, and the environment – a focus at the CNMS

•  ESH controls built into the facility –  Many of the hazards parallel those in other labs

•  Lots of hoods, gas cabinets, etc. •  Use of standard personal protection equipment

–  HEPA protection on outgoing exhaust… •  In labs where nano particles are being handled •  Possible for all labs in the building •  Special air monitoring for small particles

•  ESH standards are being developed –  Multi-agency effort under the National Nanotechnology Initiative

•  American National Standards Institutes (ANSI), EPA, etc. –  DOE is a major participant

•  CNMS and the other DOE Nanoscience Centers are leading participants. •  Includes National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

The future… •  Some of the dreams and nightmares are too far out there.

As we know, there are known knowns. There are things we know we know. We also know- There are known unknowns. That is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don't know we don't know.

—Feb. 12, 2002, Department of Defense news briefing

– There will be some hazards, scientists learn to work with them!

•  If nothing else- NANO will have made a profound effect on renewing interest in science and the contributions to the scientific infrastructure

•  Anything can happen… The jury is still out!