Science Policy Reports
Nanotechnology Research
Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Retrospective and Outlook SUMMARY
Mihail C. Roco • Chad A. Mirkin • Mark C. Hersam
Summary of international report
studY on nanotecHnoloGY ReseaRcH diRections
studY cooRdinatoR
exteRnal RevieWeRs
Mihail C. Roco, PhD, National Science Foundation
Eric Isaacs, Argonne National Laboratory
Wtec panel and otHeR contRiButoRs
Chad A. Mirkin, PhD (Co-chair), Northwestern University
Mark Hersam, PhD (Co-chair), Northwestern University
Dawn Bonnell, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
C. Jeffrey Brinker, PhD, University of New Mexico
Mamadou Diallo, PhD, California Institute of Technology
Evelyn Hu, PhD, Harvard University
Mark Lundstrom, PhD, Purdue University
James Murday, PhD, University of Southern California
André Nel, MD, PhD, University of California Los Angeles
Mark Tuominen, PhD, University of Massachusetts
Martin Fritts, Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory
Naomi Halas, Rice University
Robert Langer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Emilio Mendez, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Gunter Oberdörster, University of Rochester
Gernot Pomrenke, AFOSR
David Shaw, SUNY Buffalo
Richard Siegel, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Sandip Tiwari, Cornell University
George Whitesides, Harvard University
Hamburg
Chicago
Jeffrey Welser, PhD, Semiconductor Research Corp. and IBM
Stuart Wolf, PhD, University of Virginia
★
★
★
★ Arlington
Tsukuba
Final Workshop
★
Singapore
the cover picture depicts the integration of various nanotechnology-based solutions in the design of a blended hybrid-wing-body concept for future
subsonic commercial aircraft. Designed by NASA and MIT; the aircraft’s unique construction would enable it to carry 354 passengers while consuming 54%
less fuel than a standard Boeing 777. It could be available for commercial use as early as 2030 (Courtesy of NASA and MIT).
this booklet is a summary of the report, Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020: Retrospective and Outlook, published in
December 2010 by the World Technology Evaluation Center (WTEC) and Springer with sponsorship by the National Science Foundation. Further information about this study, as well as the complete text and image credits of the report can be found at http://www.wtec.org/nano2.
Nanotechnology Research
Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
RetRospective and outlook suMMaRY
Mihail C. Roco, Chad A. Mirkin, and Mark C. Hersam, Editors
NSF/WTEC report
The full report is published by Springer
2000
2010
2020
Blood flow & heart beating
Implantable devices
Breath
Wireless sensors
nano2
nano1
Wind
Wave
Nanorobots
Harvesting
Mechanical
Energy
Nanosensors
MEMS
Body
movement
Nanogenerator
converts mechanical
waves into electricity
Traffic & noises
Air flow
MP3s
Laptops
Cell phones
pReface
N
anotechnology is the control and restructuring of
matter at the atomic, molecular and supramolecular levels, in order to create materials, devices,
and systems with fundamentally new properties and
functions due to their small structure. A nanometer (10-9
meters) is the size of a small molecule.
Ten years have passed since the first U.S. National
Science and Technology Council “Nano1” report1 on the
prospects for nanotechnology. During the past decade,
research and development in nanotechnology has made
astonishing progress and has now provided a clearer
indication of its potential. The recently completed “Nano2”
report2 examines the last decade’s progress in the field
and uncovers the opportunities for nanotechnology
development in the United States and around the world in
the next decade. This new report, of which this booklet is
a summary, briefly describes the results of the investments
made since 2000. It also describes the expected targets
for nanotechnology R&D in the next decade and beyond,
including how to achieve them in the context of societal
needs and other emerging technologies.
The information in this booklet incorporates the views of
leading experts from academia, industry, and government
1 Roco, M.C., R.S. Williams, and P. Alivisatos, P. eds. 1999. Nanotechnology
research directions: IWGN [NSTC] workshop report: Vision for
nanotechnology R&D in the next decade. Baltimore, Md.: International
Technology Research Institute at Loyola College. Available online:
http://www.nano.gov/html/res/pubs.html
2 Roco, M.C., C.A Mirkin, and M. C. Hersam. Nanotechnology research
figure 1. Common computing and communication devices,
in production in 2010 incorporating nanoelectronic and
nanomagnetic components for processors, memory and
display components.
shared among U.S. representatives and those from over
35 other economies in four forums held between March
and July 2010. These began with a brainstorming meeting
in Chicago and included U.S.-multinational workshops in
Hamburg, Germany (involving European Union and U.S.
representatives); Tokyo, Japan (involving Japan, South
Korea, Taiwan, and U.S. representatives); and Singapore
(involving Singapore, Australia, China, India, Saudi Arabia,
and U.S. representatives). Participants came from a wide
range of disciplines, including the physical and biological sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences,
economics, and philosophy.
The study documents the progress made in nanotechnology from 2000 to 2010 and lays out a vision for progress
in nanotechnology from 2010 to 2020, in four broad
categories of interest: methods and tools of nanotechnology, safe and sustainable development, applications, and
societal dimensions.
directions for Societal Needs: Retrospective and Outlook. Springer 2010.
Available online: http://www.wtec.org/nano2/Nanotechnology_
Research_Directions_to_2020/
ii
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
taBle of contents
long-view for nanotechnology development: 2000-2020
Progress 2000-2010 (Nano1) ...........................................................................................................................................................................4
Vision for Next 10 Years (Nano2) ................................................................................................................................................................6
theory, Modeling, and simulation..............................................................................................................................................................8
Measuring Methods, instruments, and Metrology .........................................................................................................................10
synthesis, processing, and Manufacturing of components, devices, and systems.....................................................12
nanotechnology environmental, Health, & safety issues ..........................................................................................................14
nanotechnology for sustainability: Environment, Water, Food, Minerals, and Climate ................................................16
Energy Conversion, Storage, and Conservation......................................................18
applications: Nanobiosystems, Medicine, and Health.....................................................................................................................20
Nanoelectronics and Nanomagnetics ........................................................................................................................ 22
Nanophotonics and Plasmonics ....................................................................................................................................24
Catalysis by Nanostructured Materials.......................................................................................................................26
High-Performance Materials and Emerging Areas .................................................................................................28
developing the Human and physical infrastructure for nanoscale science & engineering .................................. 30
innovative and Responsible Governance of nanotechnology for societal development......................................32
Workshops .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
1
figure 2. Examples of nanotechnology incorporated into commercial (and FDA-approved) healthcare products,
in production in 2010: nanosphere verigene® system for onsite medical diagnostics; luna nanoparticle contrast
agents for diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging; angstrom Medica nanoss™ for synthetic bone material;
dendreon provenge® to fight prostate cancer; and celgene abraxane® to treat metastatic breast cancer.
2
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Mass Application of Nanotechnology after ~2020
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NS&E integration for general purposes technology
~2011
NANO2
~2020
New disciplines
Direct measurements; Science-based design and processes; Collective effects;
Create nanosystems by technology integration
Foundational interdisciplinary research at nanoscale
~2001
NANO1
~2010
2000
New industries
Societal impact
Infrastructure
Indirect measurements, Empirical correlations; Single principles, phenomena, tools;
Create nanocomponents by empirical design
Workforce
Partnerships
figure 3. Creating a new field and community in two foundational phases between 2000 and 2020 (“NS&E” is nanoscale science and engineering.)
Market Incorporating Nanotechnology ($Billions)
10000
Blood flow & heart beating
Implantable devices
Breath
Wireless sensors
nano2
Wind
1000
Wave
Nanorobots
Harvesting
Mechanical
Energy
Nanogenerator
converts mechanical
waves into electricity
Traffic & noises
10
0
nano1
Air flow
100
MP3s
Laptops
Cell phones
2009
World~$254 B
US~$92 B
Nanocomponents
2000
R&D definition
Long-term vision
2000
Nanosensors
MEMS
Body
movement
2005
2010
YEAR
2015
2020
World~$3 T
US~$1.2 T
Nanosystems
2020
figure 4. Market of final products incorporating nanotechnology: the long-term vision for 2000-2020 (solid line, see Chapter on Long
View) and outcomes in 2009 (survey by Lux Research, Chapter 13). The R&D focus evolves from fundamental discoveries to nanosystem
integration in 2000-2010.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
3
long-view for nanotechnology development
nano1
Over the last ten years, the viability and societal importance of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology
applications have been confirmed, while extreme
predictions, both pro and con, have receded.
Nanotechnology has been recognized as a revolutionary
field of science and technology, comparable to the
introduction of electricity, biotechnology, and digital
information revolutions. Between 2001 and 2008, the
numbers of discoveries, inventions, nanotechnology
workers, R&D funding programs, and markets all
increased by an average annual rate of 25 percent. The
worldwide market for products incorporating nanotechnology reached about $254 billion in 2009.
Total worldwide nanotechnology R&D funding has
grown from about $1.2 billion (of which $0.37 billion
was in the U.S.) in 2000 to over $15 billion (of which $3.7
billion was in the U.S.) in 2008 with an average annual
growth of 35 percent (33 percent in the U.S.).
pRoGRess 2000-2010
The fraction of the U.S. Federal R&D investment in
nanotechnology as compared to all Federal R&D expenditures grew from 0.39% in 2000 to about 1.5% in 2008.
U.S. federal expenditures per capita on nanotechnology
R&D has grown from about $1 in fiscal year 2000 to
about $5.7 in 2008. Japan had about $7 per capita, and
Korea about $6 per capita in 2008.
While government investment in the U.S. National
Nanotechnology Initiative and similar government
initiatives abroad has been considerable, the return
on investment has been even greater. The market for
products incorporating nanotechnology is about $250
billion worldwide in 2009.
Industry has recognized the importance of nanotechnology and the central role of government in the NNI
R&D. The estimated market for products incorporating
nanotechnology was about $91 billion in the United
States alone as of 2009.
Some 60 countries have adopted nanotechnology
research programs, making nanotechnology one of the
largest and most competitive research fields globally.
4
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Number of Patent Applications
14,000
Year All applications Non-overlapping
12,000
All applications
1991
10,000
Non-overlapping applications
2000
1,197
1,153
2008
12,776
10,067
8,000
224
224
2000–2008
6,000
Worldwide annual growth rate=34.5%
4,000
2,000
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1193
1992
1991
0
YEAR
figure 5. Total number of nanotechnology patent applications in 15 leading patent depositories in the world from 1991–2008.
Return on Nanotechnology Investment (U.S. 2009)
~$1.9B industry R&D
$B industry
operating cost
~180,000
Jobs***
~$91B**
Final Products
$1.7B* federal
R&D: NNI
~$18B Taxes
* The corresponding R&D
was about 10 times
smaller in 1999
** Estimated taxes=20%
~$1.9B ind. R&D
*** Estimated $500,000 yr/job
figure 6. Estimation of the outcomes of U.S. Federal investment in nanotechnology R&D in 2009. The figure shows an annual balance
between investments and outputs.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
5
long-view for nanotechnology development
nano2
Current trends suggest that the number of nanotechnology workers and products worldwide will double
every three years, reaching a $3 trillion market with 6
million jobs by 2020
Systematic control of matter at the nanoscale using
direct measurements, simulations and improved
theories on nanoscale phenomena such as quantum and
self-assembling, will lead to the creation of advanced
materials, devices and nanosystems by design.
Nanotechnology is expected to be in widespread use by
2020. There is the potential to incorporate nanotechnology-enabled products and services into almost all
industrial sectors and medical fields. The increasing
integration of nanoscale science and engineering
promises mass applications of nanotechnology in
industry, medicine, and computing, and in conservation
of nature. The benefits will include increased productivity, more sustainable development, and new jobs.
New applications expected to emerge in the next
decade range from long-life photovoltaic devices
to high performance batteries enabling competitive
electric cars, novel computing systems, cognitive
technologies, food and agricultural systems, quantum
information systems, nanosystems and synthetic
biology, and radical new approaches to diagnosis and
treatment of diseases like cancer.
6
vision foR next 10 YeaRs
For illustration, nanotechnology applications will make
solar energy conversion costs competitive by about
2015 in the United States and water desalinization costs
competitive by 2020–2025, depending on the region.
Nanotechnology will continue to provide breakthrough
solutions for over 50% of new projects on energy
and water resources, as well as other sustainable
development areas.
Continued investment in basic research in nanotechnology is needed, but additional emphasis should also
be placed on application-driven research, innovation,
commercialization, job creation, and societal “returns
on investment,” with measures to ensure safety and
public participation.
As nanotechnology is expected to satisfy essential
societal needs and have mass applications by 2020,
there is a need to institutionalize nanotechnology
education, research, manufacturing, medical, EHS
and ELSI programs.
Nanotechnology’s rapid development worldwide is
a testimony to the transformative power of identifying
a concept or trend and laying out a vision at the
synergistic confluence of diverse scientific research areas.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Nanotechnology Commercialization
2000
Ex: coatings, nanoparticles, nanostructured metals, polymers, ceramics
2nd: Active nanostructures
~2005
Ex: 3D transistors, amplifiers, targeted drugs, actuators, adaptive structures, biomedical devices
Higher uncertainty & risk
3rd: Integrated Nanosystems
~2010
Ex: guided assembling, 3D networking and new hierarchical architectures, robotics, evolutionary
4th: Molecular nanosystems
~2015–2020
Ex: molecular devised “by design,” atomic design, emerging functions
Converging technologies
Increased complexity, Dynamics, Transdisciplinarity
1st: Passive nanostructures (1st generation products)
Ex: nano-bio-info from nanoscale, cognitive technologies; large complex
systems from nanoscale
figure 7. Timeline for the beginning of industrial prototyping and nanotechnology commercialization: introduction of new generations of
products and productive processes in 2010–2020.
Response Rate
100%
100
85%
80
70%
60
38%
40
25%
20
0
Commercialized
Products by 2009
<1 year to Market (2010)
1–3 years to Market
(2011–2013)
3–5 years to Market
(2013–2015)
>5 years to Market
(2015–)
figure 8. The percentage of manufacturing companies interested in introducing nanotechnology products (based on 2010 survey of 270
manufacturing companies by National Center for Manufacturing Systems).
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
7
tHeoRY, ModelinG, and siMulation
advances in the last ten years:
Discovery of fundamental mechanical, optical, electronic, magnetic, and biological phenomena, properties,
and processes at the nanoscale, and developing
understanding of bionic-abiotic interfaces.
New approaches such as ab-initio (from basic principles)
electronic simulation frameworks, molecular dynamics
simulations with chemical bonding, simulation of
self-assembly of functionalized nanoparticles, and
statistical analysis of complex nanostructures have been
performed. The number of atoms simulated by classical
molecular dynamics for 10 nanosecond time durations
has increased from about 10 million in 2000 to nearly
1 billion in 2010. High-performance computing power,
which enables more ambitious multiscale simulations,
has increased by three orders of magnitude.
Quantum effects were identified and measured in a series
of nanostructures, such as quantum dots, nanotubes, and
nanowires, and the first quantum device was built.
8
vision for the next decade:
Nanoscale modeling, numerical methods, and computational capability are expected to increase the speed
of simulations by a factor of 10,000, leading to more
ambitious projects and wider use of simulation in research
and design. Theory, modeling, and simulation increasingly
are critical tools that support nanotechnology.
New theories on complexity for concurrent phenomena
and system integration at the nanoscale will enable
discovery and novel applications.
General approaches to multiscale/multi-phenomena
simulation for computational design materials, devices
and systems from basic principles will be developed.
Predictive simulation has the potential to greatly
accelerate R&D in fields such as catalysis design, drug
discovery and dynamics of complex systems. Broader
use of multiscale and multi-phenomena simulation
could also influence technology development directions. Nanoscience generates possibilities for new
technologies, but it generates many more than can be
experimentally explored.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Molecular Dynamics
Hiearchy of Methods
1014
108
1013
107
1012
HPC #1
HPC #500
Single CPU
GPU
1011
1010
109
108
106
105
104
1000
2002
2004
2006
YEAR
2008
10
100
2010
figure 9. Increases of molecular dynamics computational
complexity and corresponding number of atoms simulated at rate
of 10 nanosecond/day: for the highest and lowest-performing
machines on the top-500 list, as well as a single central
processing unit (CPU) and a graphical processing unit (GPU);
HPC#1 is the fastest available high performance computer.
figure 11. New developments in the theory of molecular
conduction have resulted in quantitative simulations of molecular
junctions. A joint theory and experiment collaboration showed that
electrical conductance of a bipyridine-Au molecular junction can
be turned “on” or “off” simply by pushing or pulling on the junction.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
-2
10-4
Length (m)
10
9
Simple Atoms Simulated at Rate of 10 ns/day
Molecular Dynamics Computational Complexity
10
15
10-6
10-8
10-10 -15
10
10-13
10-11
10-9 10-7 10-5
TIME (s)
10-3
No dynamic
information
figure 10. Hierarchy of theory, modeling and simulation methods
relevant to nanoscale science and technology, along with some
corresponding experimental methods, and the time and length
scales over which each is applicable (2010).
figure 12. Nanostructured materials are created for
new applications. Right photovoltaic BH solar cells, left
nanostructured morphology.
9
MeasuRinG MetHods, instRuMents, and MetRoloGY
advances in the last ten years:
Novel concepts and approaches have been created to
provide a platform for a new generation of nanoscale
localized measurement tools.
There has been a dramatic expansion of the variety of
properties that can be measured at the nanoscale. A
wide range of phenomena can now be accessed with
high-spatial-resolution scanning probe microscopy.
New, cheap and accessible methods of nano-patterning,
such as microcontact printing and imprint lithography,
have allowed research and product development
laboratories to easily fabricate specialized complex
devices with which to explore new phenomena.
Electron microscopy with aberration correction has
achieved sub-nanometer spatial resolution and threedimensional tomography.
X-ray brilliance at measuring beam lines has increased
five orders of magnitude between 2000 and 2010,
enabling atomistic and dynamic measurements of threedimensional nanostructures.
vision for the next decade:
Tools will be developed for simultaneous atomic
resolution, three-dimensional imaging with chemical
specificity and temporal resolution of the nanoscale
phenomena. We will see unanticipated new tools
and discoveries of nanoscale phenomena along with
new applications.
Generalized use of reference standard materials and
measurement methods in nanoelectronics, biomedical
field, and nanomanufacturing and other areas.
specific goals include:
achieving atomic resolution of the three-dimensional internal structure of a single protein with
chemical specificity
discovering of stable new compounds by manipulating atoms at room temperature
tracking electrons with sufficient speed to observe
intermediate steps in chemical reactions
concurrent imaging of processes throughout an
entire cell
new portable and inexpensive nanoscale instruments capable of operating in an industrial
environment
developing in situ instrumentation for
nanomanufacturing process control
developing easy to use instrumentation for
non-specialists and education
10
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Height
Photogeneration Rate
Faster
Slower
arb units
Current Magnitude and Direction
figure 13. (left) Lithography tools for nanoscale manufacturing. Imprint lithography produces sub-30nm resolution nanomaterials with less
than 10 nm alignment over hundreds of milimeters (Molecular Imprints, Inc., Imprio® 300); (right) Imaging photo of current generation in an
organic solar cell and current size of vector across an operating oxide device.
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
X-ray Brillance (photons/s/0.1%bw/mm2/mrad2
Computer Speed MOPS (millions of operations per second)
1950
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
YEAR
figure 14. Faster increases in x-ray brilliance over the last 50 years in
comparison to increase in computer processor speed.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
Magnetic force
Magnetic spin
Dielectric function
Reson Magnetic
Impedance
ance M
icrosco
Capacitance/resistance
py
Work
function
Functional
Electromechanical
coupling
Scanning
Probe
Optical
Spectroscopy
Electr
Optical interaction
Scann omagnetic
Inelastic electron processes ing Probe
Density of states
Tun
Micronsceling
opy
1
10
0 -1
1Hz
Elec
6Hz
B
vibr ond
atio
n
tron
Mass
tran
spor
t
100
trans
port
1000
nm
figure 15. Relation of advances in scanning probes to space,
time and complexity. The future is in extending these probes
into the regions in the center where spatial resolution, time
resolution, and complexity can be simultaneously probed.
11
sYntHesis, pRocessinG, and ManufactuRinG
of coMponents, devices, and sYsteMs
advances in the last ten years:
Nanotechnology has penetrated not only most disciplines in science and engineering, but also R&D for most
of the production sectors of the economy. Nanotechnology has been used in commercial products, including
coatings, industrial chemicals, cosmetics, textiles and
magnetic storage devices, among many others.
Creation in the laboratory of a library of nanocomponents such as particles, tubes, two- and threedimensional structures, covering most of the chemical
elements in the periodic table. There has been
important basic research on toolkits for synthesis, fabrication, and patterning of nanostructures, in addition to
bio-inspired synthesis and directed self-assembly.
Advances in nanofabrication are illustrated by threedimensional programmable polymeric structures,
bi-inspired nanostructures, first molecular machines,
graphene devices, metamaterials, (which have reverse
diffraction index not encountered in nature), nanoscale
printing by contact, and lithography based on scanning
probes. Manufacturing has emerged with a myriad
of focus areas and new approaches such as modular
nanotechnology, scale-up synthesis of plasmonic
materials, and nano-bio inspired and desk-top distributed methods.
12
vision for the next decade:
Fundamental understanding of the pathways for atomic
and molecular self-assembly to develop a library of
nanostructures (particle, wire, tubes, sheet, coatings,
three-dimensional modular assemblies) of various
chemical compositions in industrial-scale quantities.
Achieve two- and three-dimensional macroscopic
materials control in nanomanufacturing, with the ability
to dictate where building blocks are placed down to
1-nm resolution.
three illustrations:
Power cables manufactured from carbon
nanotubes for better efficiency and less weight
Recent research involving block copolymers as
a platform to create self-assembled templates
for nanoscale patterning for more efficient flash
electronic memory devices
Manufacturing of metamaterials with nanostructures not encountered in nature
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
new synthesis and fabrication Methods
figure 16. Examples of new synthesis and fabrication methods: (left) Precursor Janus dendrimers and dendrimersome with its cellmembrane-like bilayers of few nanometer thick first synthesized in 2010; (center) Large surface area nanopatterning using multiple probe
technology; and positioning them with nanometer precision over large areas; (right) Random branching alumina nanotubes as an example
of fractal nanomanufacturing (multiscale functional material architectures).
Roll-to-Roll Production of Graphene
Graphene on polymer support
Polymer support
Released
polymer support
Target substrate
Graphene on Cu foil
Cu etchant
Graphene on target
figure 17. A major advance in the last decade: Roll-to-roll production of graphene for transparent conducting electrodes. This illustrates
the broader area of carbon-based nanotechnology already leading to production of carbon cables and sheets.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
13
nanotecHnoloGY enviRonMental,
HealtH, & safetY (eHs) issues
advances in the last ten years:
Although exposure to engineered nanomaterials in the
workplace, laboratory, home, and the environment is
likely more widespread than previously realized, no
specific human disease or verifiable environmental
mishap has been ascribed to these materials to date.
Public perceptions of engineered nanomaterials hazards
have evolved from “small is dangerous” to a more realistic
understanding that safety should be considered in terms
of the specific-use contexts, applications and exposures.
Complex interdisciplinary programs and international
community have been established. The NSF established a research program solicitation with a focus on
nanoscale processes in the environment in August 2000,
and about 7 % of its budget is currently for nano-EHS.
The EPA has had a research program solicitation on
nanotechnology EHS since 2003, and the National
Institute for Environmental Health Sciences established
one in 2004.
The number of peer-reviewed publications on nano-EHS
risk assessment has increased rapidly, amounting to over
250 papers in 2009, as compared to about 50 in 2004,
increasing faster than other publications in nanoscale
science and engineering. The research community has
increasingly collaborated with industry, regulators and
insurers to proactively address potential concerns of
engineered, incidental and natural nanomaterials.
14
vision for the next decade:
The discovery and development of predictive methods
for engineered nanomaterials for property–toxicology
activity relationships, high-volume data sets, and
computational methods used to establish knowledge
domains, risk modeling, and nano-informatics capabilities to reliably assist decision-making.
One goal for 2020 is to develop validated hazard
assessment methodologies and strategies that consider
the correct balance of in vitro and in vivo testing, of
biologically relevant screening platforms, and of highthroughput methods. It includes further understanding
of nano-biological interfaces.
Another goal is to develop risk reduction methodologies and strategies that can be implemented
through commercial nanoproduct data collection,
regulatory activity, and EHS research directly linked
to decision making.
A key issue for academia, industry, and government is
to effectively communicate, inform and involve public
participation in the dialogue on the beneficial implications of nanotechnology, the potential for risk, and
what is being done to ensure safe implementation of
the technology.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Nano-information Pyramid
Nano
label
Specific info about nano-EHS properties,
including hazard, appropriate use, waste
disposal, recycling
Consumer products
Product insert
User-specific info about appropriate use,
hazard, disposal, recycling
Consumer & industrial products
MSDS
Producers, processors, recyclers
Broad substance documentation
Authorities/regulators
Research
Substances’ nano-specific & compositional
properties being addressed by experts
Non-CBI Database for registration and
documentation purposes
Adapted from the Innovation Society Chemicalwatch. February 2010
figure 18. This nano-information pyramid illustrates development of an incremental information-sharing collaboration between
government, academia, industry, and public.
UC CEIN Predictive Multi-disciplinary Science Model
ENM libraries
Nanoparticle structural &
physicochemical information
• Data integration
• Pattern recognition
(heatmaps, self-organizing, etc.)
• Machine learning
• Computer decision making
Cell, embryo,
biomolecules
In vivo
toxicity
Fate &
transport
Predictive
toxicology
Multimedia
analysis
• Hazard ranking
• Risk profiling
• Exposure modeling
• Property-activity
relationships
figure 19. UC Center for Environmental Implications in Nanotechnology uses a predictive model for hazard ranking and risk profiling.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
15
nanotecHnoloGY foR sustainaBilitY:
enviRonMent, WateR, food, MineRals, and cliMate
advances in the last ten years:
The global sustainability challenges facing the world
are complex and involve multiple interdependent areas.
Nanotechnology offers fundamentally new approaches
for a clean environment, water resources, food supply,
mineral resources, green manufacturing, habitat, transportation, and addressing climate change. We now have
a better understanding of the planetary sustainability
limits and how nanotechnology can help.
Nanotechnology has provided solutions for more than
half of the new projects on energy conversion, energy
storage, and carbon encapsulation in the last decade.
Discovery of high-porosity nanostructured materials
has lead to metal organic frameworks, covalent organic
frameworks, and zeolite imidazolate frameworks, for
improved hydrogen storage and CO2 sequestration.
A broad range of polymeric and inorganic nanofibers
and their composites for environmental separations and
catalytic treatment have been synthesized. Nanocomposite membranes and nanosorbents have been
developed for water purification, desalinization, oil spill
cleanup, and environmental remediation.
16
vision for the next decade:
a world in balance:
A main goal is developing a coordinated approach to
use nanotechnology innovation for breakthrough
solutions in sustainable development. Nanotechnology
applications are expected to significantly extend
the limits of sustainability. For illustration, in water
resources, the nanostructured membranes and materials
with large surface areas discovered in the last decade
will be optimized and scaled-up for a variety of
applications, including water filtration and desalination,
hydrogen storage, and carbon capture.
Methods to better capture carbon and nitrogen using
nanoscale processes will be developed for reuse at
industrial scale. Nanotechnology has the potential
to provide cost-effective sorbents for CO2 separation
from the flue gases of fossil-fuel-fired power plants and
relevant industrial plants.
Small-scale and ubiquitous sensors will be developed
and deployed that will allow real time monitoring of
environmental systems, including air, water, and soils.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
The Next Generation of Electric Cars
Smart Silicon and Thin Film solar panels
Batteries and Supercaps
Lightweight and flexible lighting systems with
PV Batteries, RF link and Photodiode.
integrated PV,
Fuel based Catalytic Range extenders
Thermoelectric materials
for heating and cooling
Electrical Motors
All other sensors and electronics
Power electronics
Lightweight composites
Green low rolling resistance tires
figure 20. Nanomaterials as components of the next generation of electric cars.
Earth Cooling Effects
Sustainability
Radius ~10m
50nm
Social
Bearable
Magnetite (Fe3O4)
~500 x 500 nm
Equitable
Electric field
100–200 V/m
Sustainable
Environment
AI2O3
AI
BaTiO3
Viable
Economic
Magnetic field
10-4 T
Lifting force
Poleward force
figure 21. Sustainability is at the intersection of environment,
economic and social factors. Nanotechnology applications will
have to balance the beneficial effects and potential negative
effects on these interconnected factors.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
figure 22. Geoengineering concept for using magnetic nanodisks for sunlight reflection in upper atmosphere over the South
pole. International projects will be developed to consider Earth
cooling effects and environmental safety.
17
nanotecHnoloGY foR sustainaBilitY:
eneRGY conveRsion, stoRaGe, and conseRvation
advances in the last ten years:
Rapid improvement has been made in efficiency and
scalability of using nanotechnology for solar energy
conversion. The power conversion efficiency of
nanostructured organic cells has increased by about
eight times since 2000. Nanostructuring has also
been demonstrated as a viable means to increase the
efficiency of current extraction by decreasing the
distance charges have to travel, which would allow the
use of lower cost, inorganic materials for photovoltaic
applications without sacrificing performance.
A number of research groups have been able to
construct systems that emulate photosynthesis,
converting sunlight into fuel in the laboratory.
Alternative nanostructured materials incorporating
cheap and available materials have increased the storage
capability of electrical super capacitors.
18
vision for the next decade:
Application of nanotechnology will significantly lower
costs and make economic solar energy conversion by
about 2015 in the United States. Mass use of nanotechnology for energy conversion is envisioned after
2015-2016, when the cost of terawatt-scale solar energy
generation will approach that of fossil energy. Crystalline
silicon will be replaced with cheap and abundant alternative materials, such as iron disulfide, for photovoltaics.
Use of nanoparticles and quantum dots will be applied in
carrier multiplication and hot-carrier collection strategies
to overcome the Shockley-Queisser 31% efficiency limit
in thin-film photovoltaic devices.
Nanostructured catalysts and thermoelectric materials
will be designed to economically convert electricity
and sunlight into chemical fuels.
It is expected that nanotechnology will become a
critical enabling technology for energy efficiency in
buildings, transportation, mining, electricity generation
and transmission, and battery power. The next decade
will witness the development of new classes of
nanostructured battery systems for electric vehicles
with large range of action.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Residential PV
35
Cost of Energy in Cents/kWh (2009$)
30
2009
2015 (est.)
2030 (est.)
PV LCOE without ITC*
PV LCOE with 30% ITC*
21–34
16–25
10–16
7–12
6–10
N/A
Residential Electricity Rates1
8–14
8–15
9–19
25
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Changes after 2016
20
15
10
5
0
2009
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
YEAR
2020
2022
2024
2026
2028
2030
figure 23. Goal for residential use of photovoltaic technologies estimated to become economic by about 2015 (DOE).
Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials:
Impacting the Energy Landscape
• Renewables
• Thermoelectrics
• Solar fuels
• Green buildings
• Transmission
• Resources
Conversion,
Generation
Efficiency,
Recycling
Capture,
Storage
Transport,
Logistics
• Thermal storage
• Charge storage
• Carbon capture
• Electric vehicle
• Air, sea, land
• Public transport
figure 24. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials can impact all
areas of the energy sustainability cycle.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
Heat rejection materials
Greenery High Performance
Algae
Glazing
Polymeric
Façade
Dehumidification
Material
Phase
Cool roofs
Natural
New Air-Con
Change
Ventilation
concepts
Recycled Material
Concrete
Aggregate
Natural
Alternatives
Lighting
LED
to Concrete
Lighting
Engineered
Cementitious
Building
Composite
Management
Steel
Systems
Recycled
Renewables
Lift
Aggregate
Sensors
Systems
Energy
recovery Waste-toenergy
figure 25. Green building components.
19
applications: nanoBiosYsteMs, Medicine, and HealtH
advances in the last ten years:
Nanobiosystems and nanomedicine are two of the most
exciting and fastest-growing areas in nanotechnology
research. Nanomedicine has made significant breakthroughs in the laboratory, advanced rapidly in clinical
trials, and made inroads in applications of biocompatible materials, diagnostics, and treatments. Advanced
therapeutics have led to ten commercialized products
based on nanotechnology, such as Abraxane, making a
significant impact in treating several forms of cancer.
Development of diagnostic methods that are sensitive
down to picomole and attomole levels and allow for
multiple analytes to be assessed simultaneously by
lab-on-a-chip approaches.
Five other nanotechnology outcomes: controlled
development of molecules to promote tissue repair
and regeneration in situ; achievement of partial
nanoscale control in synthetic biology; products that
are on track to meet the $1,000 genome challenge; the
nano-enabled bio-barcode assay, which is a detection
technology that provides significant sensitivity
advantages over conventional methodologies; and FDA
approvals for the first nanotherapeutics.
20
vision for the next decade:
Many order-of-magnitude increased sensitivity,
selectivity, and multiplexing capabilities at low cost will
enable point-of-care diagnosis and treatment. They
include nonintrusive diagnostics based on breath and
saliva nanoscale detection.
Overcome many challenges such as pharmacokinetics,
biodistribution, targeting, and tissue penetration by
drugs to support widespread adoption by industry
of nanotherapeutics. At least 50% of all drugs used
in 2020 will be enabled by nanotechnology. Many of
these will be for diseases like glioblastoma, pancreatic
cancer, and ovarian cancer, where patient prognosis is
grim with current therapies. Adoption of nanomaterials
by the pharmaceutical community will increase the
effectiveness of chemotherapeutics while reducing toxic
side effects. The potential is supported by the fact that in
2010 over 50 cancer-targeting drugs based on nanotechnology are in clinical trials in the United States alone.
Nanostructured implants with potential advantages
over conventional materials can significantly enhance
bone, cartilage, vascular, bladder, and nervous tissue
regeneration. Widespread use by 2020 of nano-enabled
tissue constructs is envisioned for repair of cardiac
damage in heart attack victims. Widespread use by
2020 of nanotechnology-enabled stem-cell therapies is
envisioned for spinal cord regeneration. Synthetic biology
with control at the nanoscale will be used in regenerative
medicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Nanomedicine
drug delivery to tumor site
Nanomaterials and Devices
Albumin
Analytic and
Imaging Tools
Theranostics
Targeted Therapy
and Drug
Delivery Systems
Tissue
Engineering
Regenerative
Medicine
Paclitaxel
Point of Medical Care:
Improved diagnosis,
treatment and prevention
figure 27. Abraxane is a FDA-approved therapeutic which relies
on albumin protein nanoparticles as a paclitaxel carrier for more
efficient drug delivery to tumor sites.
Safety and compatibility requirements
figure 26. The cornerstones of nanomedicine.
37˚C
20˚C
Water Repelling Polymer
(hydrophobic)
Water Attractring Polymer
(hydrophilic)
Myocyte cell sheet
Cell sheet
By layering
the cell sheet
Temperature-responsive
culture dish
3-D tissue construct
figure 28. Myocardial cells sheet engineering. Cell sheet technology is based on the use of thermo responsive polymers, poly
(N-isopropylacrylamide), which are hydrophobic at 37°C, allowing primary tissue culture cells to lay down an ECM, which remains intact
when the temperature of the culture dish is brought down to 20° C and the cell sheet released due to the fact that the polymer then
becomes hydrophilic. Harvesting of numerous layers of myocyte cell sheets allows layering and the formation of a 3D spontaneously
beating myocardial-like tissue construct that can be used for patching real-life myocardial defects as well as offering the possibility to
reconstruct an entire myocardial tube.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
21
applications: nanoelectRonics and nanoMaGnetics
advances in the last ten years:
The semiconductor industry has doubled the number
of field-effect transistors on a chip every 18–24 months,
i.e. Moore’s Law. As a result, the number of products
that use semiconductor chips has greatly expanded,
from supercomputers to cell phones to toasters.
Continuation of the Moore’s Law has led to scaling from
devices at or above 100 nm to 30 nm dimensions.
It includes an approximate 1 nm gate insulator, with
monolayer accuracy across a 300 nm wafer, and
transistors for logic and memory of about 15 nm. The
industry has hit a record high of $300B in 2010, with
60 percent at the nanoscale, and the U.S. market share
being approximately 50% of total.
Discovery of the quantum spin Hall effect and
demonstration of spin transfer torque, which
enable direct control of electron spin and magnetic
domains by electrical current. Research, design, and
manufacturing of magnetic random access memory
(MRAM) nonvolatile memory device.
First fundamental experiments on quantum computing
using small numbers of quantum bits.
22
vision for the next decade:
Goals for nanoelectronics by 2020 include: achieving
three-dimensional near-atomic-level control of reduced
dimensional materials; combining lithography and selfassembly to pattern semi-arbitrary structures down to
1 nm precision; discovering devices for logic and
memory that operate with greatly reduced energy
dissipation; exploiting spin for memory, logic, and new
functionality; integrating architecture and nanoscale
device research for unique computation functionality;
and increasing focus on emerging, non-IT applications.
Increased R&D will focus on phenomena at 10 nm
and below for all devices. There needs to be a
paradigm shift in order to get beyond the traditional
CMOS device to use the new physics offered at the
nanoscale to increase device functionality. Discover
and potentially use an alternative state variable for
representing information instead of electron charge.
Advances in the understanding of oxygen vacancy
transport in metal oxides and other effects that can
induce resistance changes in material stacks will
find applications in resistive memory devices. One
example is the “memristor” device that may be useful
in memory, storage, and even circuits that mimic the
synaptic functions of the human brain. Realize quantum
computers for specific uses.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Nanoelectronics Impact on Society
IE+12
Computations per second
IE+9
IE+6
IE+3
IE+0
IE-3
IE-5
1900
1920
1940
1960
1980
2000
2020
figure 29. Nanoelectronics impact on society: Increase of computations per second for $1,000.
Infrastructural
core
Sensory
swarm
Mobile access
figure 30. Schematic of spin-torque memory circuit,
and a cross section of an individual 40 nm wide memory
element (IBM).
Trillions of Connected Devices
figure 31. Emerging multiscale information technology platform using
nanotechnology (SRC).
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
23
applications: nanopHotonics and plasMonics
advances in the last ten years:
The young field of plasmonics has rapidly gained
momentum, enabling exciting new fundamental science
as well as groundbreaking real-life applications in terms
of targeted medical therapy, ultrahigh-resolution
imaging and patterning, and control of optical processes
with extraordinary spatial and frequency precision.
Many new technologies have emerged in which one
uses plasmonics, including thermally assisted magnetic
recording, thermal cancer treatment, catalysis and
nanostructure growth , solar cells with quantum dots,
and computer chips. High-dielectric-constant materials
also can effectively be used as antennas, waveguides,
and resonators, and their use deserves further exploration. First demonstrations of metamaterials (materials
with reverse diffraction index) at visible and nearinfrared wavelengths have been performed.
Achievement of slowed light in solid state nanophotonic structures, which enables applications and
information systems never before available to photonic
systems, such as delaying and storing optical signals.
24
vision for the next decade:
Several goals for 2020 include: achieving integration
with electronic circuits for ultrasmall, ultra-high
speed information and communication applications;
controlling light trapping and device integration for
applications in the living world; using light to control
the thermal and mechanical performance of materials;
achieving control over the flow of light; and exploiting
synergies between plasmonics, photonics, and electronics. Use plasmonic enhanced-emission and detection
will allow controlled absorption and emission of light
from single molecules.
Nanophotonic structures and devices promise dramatic
reductions in energies of device operation, densely
integrated information systems with lower power
dissipation, enhanced spatial resolution for imaging
and patterning, and new sensors of increased sensitivity
and specificity.
Nanophotonics and plasmonics will have dramatic
enabling capabilities for new medical therapies;
low-power, high-bandwidth, and high-density computation and communications; high-spatial-resolution
imaging and sensing with high spectral and spatial
precision; efficient optical sources and detectors; and a
host of profound scientific discoveries about the nature
of light–matter interactions.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
figure 32. Vision of silicon photonics for optical interconnects in
future electronics (IBM).
figure 33. Slowing the speed of light near metallic surfaces is
used in the field of plasmonics defined after 2004.
Engineered Quantum-Mechanics
for Green Innovation
Ultimate Control of Photons
I. Ultimate light
confinement and
dynamic control
A. On-demand
photon control
Advanced
Nanoelectronics
II. Ultimate 3D
photonic crystals
QD lasers@all
wavelengths
Future Technology for Photonics:
Next-generation information,
communication, quantum processing,
3D photonic circuits,
laser processing,
V. Nanophotonic
III. Ultimate broad
display, lightings,
materials and
area coherent
high efficient solar cell, laser technology
fabrication
bio, sensing, etc.
C. Materials,
nanotechnology
and fundamentals
IV. Highly efficient
photon-electron
conversion
B. Toward industrial
applications and
energy issue
contribution
figure 34. Control of photons leads to diverse applications.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
Quantum
IT devices
Photonics
on LSI
QD lasers
for telecom
Quantum
computers
Quantum
gate
QD amplifiers
Sustainable
Engineering
Quantum XXX
Entangled
Photon pairs
Single photon
emitter
Solar cells
Biochemical
sensing
1982
2010
2015
2020
2025
year
figure 35. Quantum dots drive development of key technologies.
25
applications: catalYsis BY nanostRuctuRed MateRials
advances in the last ten years:
Rapid developments in spectroscopic tools and
atomic-resolution electron microscopy have
revolutionized scientists’ understanding of catalyst
structures at the nanoscale. Computational catalysis
has reached the stage in which it provides a
complement to experimental research. Advances
in computer processor speeds, large-scale parallel
architectures, and more efficient theoretical and
computational methods allow for complex simulations
of catalytic reactions on solid surfaces.
The global catalyst business is an $18–20 billion
per-year enterprise for petroleum refining, chemicals
processing, and environmental applications.
Nanostructured catalysts introduced after 2000
represent 30–40% worldwide of all catalysts used in
the oil and chemical industries. The broader, valueadded impact of catalytic processing on the U.S.
economy alone is estimated at several hundred billion
dollars per year.
vision for the next decade:
Although advances in theoretical descriptions of
complex reactions and models that span multiple
time and length scales have been realized, additional
improvements will enable the predictive computational
capabilities, especially in liquid phase systems. An overall
goal is precise control of composition and structure
of catalysts over length scales spanning 1 nm to 1 mm,
allowing the efficient control of reaction pathways.
Nanostructured catalysts will efficiently and selectively
convert lower-grade hydrocarbons into higher-value
fuels and chemical products, efficiently harness
solar power, efficiently use of biomass and cellulosic
materials for energy conversion, and redirecting energy
selectively into driving thermodynamically uphill
chemical processes.
New nanostructured catalysts will cover at least 50
percent of the market worldwide by 2020.
Progress has been made in the synthesis of new
nanostructured catalysts that can more efficiently and
selectively convert low-grade hydrocarbons into highervalue fuels. Advances in instrumentation have made
possible monitoring of catalysts in their working state.
26
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
D.W. Goodman
F. Besenbacher
TIME
Haldor Topsøe
Hetrogeneous Catalysis
Reactor Modeling
Nanoscale Properties
Atomic Structure
Electronic Structure
Ab initio quantum mechanics
Ab inition molecular dynamics
100s of atoms
Brownian dynamics
Finite element methods
Molecular dynamics
Monte Carlo simulation
MC methods
Deterministic methods
CFD
Vr=1/2kij(r–rij)2
104–105 atoms
H = E 
LENGTH
figure 36. Hierarchy of time and length scales in heterogeneous catalysis, and associated modeling methods.
Pore Size A
20A
60A
40A
100A
100
80
MCM-41
60
40
FCC
20
Aromatics
Zeolite Y
ZSM-5
10
5
Chemicals
Gasoline
Gasoil
Resids
figure 37. Illustration of commercial nanotechnology: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Dow Chemicals, and other companies have used
nanostructured catalysts developed since 2000 for more efficient upgrading of crude oil into transportation fuels and petrochemicals.
Examples are redesigned aromatics and nanoporous silica materials such as MCM-41.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
27
applications: HiGH-peRfoRMance MateRials
and eMeRGinG aReas
advances in the last ten years:
Realization of bulk nanocomposites and coatings with
predictable and unique properties based on monodisperse nanoscale building blocks (e.g., transparent
conductors based on carbon nanotubes and graphene,
and ductile high-strength metals).
Nanotechnology has enabled the development of
nanofluidic devices and systems, products using
nanofibrous media, nanoscale sensors, lighter nanocomposites for use in aerospace, and numerous other
multifunctional nanomaterials and nanoscale devices.
The forest products industry has identified nanotechnology as a means to tap the enormous undeveloped
potential of trees as photochemical “factories” that
produce abundant sources of raw materials from
sunlight and water. Cellulose wood fibers have been
introduced in nanocomposite materials.
28
vision for the next decade:
Develop a complete library of monodisperse nanomaterials at industrial-scale quantities, and realize
hierarchical nanostructured materials with independent
tunability of previously coupled properties; that is,
decoupling optical and electrical properties for photovoltaics used in display technology, and decoupling
electrical and thermal properties for thermoelectrics
using in energy conversion.
Realize nanocomposites for structural components,
for example enabling 40% weight reduction in airplane
designs with better overall performance.
Achieve scalable nanofluidic systems for processing
in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chemical
engineering. Generally, the rational assembly of
nanomaterials into nanocomposites and of nanocomponents into systems will yield high-performance
products driving the development of previously
unrealizable applications.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Cluster elements
Cluster materials
1 nm
Applications
1 nm
C60
10 nm
Inorganic cluster
400 450 500 550 600 650 700
wavelength (nm)
100 nm
100 nm
Inorganic nanocrystal
figure 38. Fullerenes, atomic clusters, and larger inorganic crystals can be assembled to create materials and devices with tailored
properties. Applications include photovoltaics (top), optical biosensors (middle) and electronics (bottom).
Improved transmission—
line and motor insulation
forming
pressing
drying
Skin care and
UV protection
process belts
Wear reduction in industrial conveyor belts
figure 39. Examples of applications of nanostructured hybrid materials.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
29
developinG tHe HuMan and pHYsical infRastRuctuRe
foR nanoscale science and enGineeRinG
advances in the last ten years:
In 2000, the NNI Implementation Plan recognized that
nanoscale science and engineering education is vital to
economic development, public welfare, and quality of
life. Nanotechnology is now seen as a driving force for
major industries worldwide and as playing a key role in
solving challenges in energy, water, environment, health,
information technology, and security.
Establishment of over 150 interdisciplinary research
centers and user facilities in the United States and
many others worldwide, providing broad access to
fabrication and characterization facilities. Creation of
the Nanoscale Computation Network in 2002, redesign
of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
in 2003, and establishment of the Network for Informal
Science Education in 2004, providing more democratic
and global access to nanoscale science and engineering
knowledge and tools.
There were over half million nanotechnology researchers and workers in 2010 worldwide with an annual
rate of increase of about 25 percent. Nanotechnology
has emerged as a topic of interest on websites, in
exhibits, and in educational programs at science
museums around the world, including at Walt Disney
World’s Epcot Center.
30
vision for the next decade:
Expand the breadth of interdisciplinary research and
education center capabilities and extend the geographical distribution for more widespread access, and
create open access centers and networks for discovery
and development of innovative nano-enabled device
and systems. Partnerships between countries, industries, and universities; and continued Federal support
will be essential.
Embed nanoscale science and engineering education in
internationally benchmarked standards and curricula at
all levels of education, but especially in the K–12 grades.
To compete effectively in world markets, there must be
continued attention to basic research, motivated and
skilled entrepreneurs who can transition discovery into
innovative technologies, state-of-the-art equipment for
fabrication and characterization, well-trained workers,
and well-informed, nanotechnology-literate citizens to
sustain the workforce pipeline and public support.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
center for nanoscience Materials
Argonne National Laboratory
Molecular foundry
Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory
H
H
H
H
H
center for integrated nanotechnologies
Los Alamos National Laboratory & Sandia National Laboratory
center for functional nanomaterials
Brookhaven National Laboratory
center for nanophase Materials sciences
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
figure 40. The five DOE Nanoscale Science Research Centers.
Key Education Networks
U. Wisconsin
Science Museum Madison
of Minnesota
Dakota County
Technical College
Oregon Museum of
Science and Industry
Exploratorium
(college centers)
(core partners)
(regional hubs/museums)
Pennsylvania
State Univ.
U.C. Santa Barbara
U. Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Arizona State
University
U. Texas El Paso
The Franklin Institute
Purdue Univ.
Fisk Univ.
Alabama A&M Univ.
Children’s Museum
of Houston
Sciencenter
Museum of Science
New York Hall of Science
Northwestern U.
U. Illinois Chicago
Argonne National Lab
Lawrence Hall
of Science
The Maricopa
Community Colleges
U. Michigan
Hampton Univ.
Museum of Life
and Science
Morehouse College
U. Puerto Rico
(host node)
figure 41. U.S. nanotechnology infrastructure in 2010: Key education networks.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
31
innovative and ResponsiBle GoveRnance
of nanotecHnoloGY foR societal developMent
advances in the last ten years:
An international community has been established of
nanotechnology professionals, with a sophisticated R&D
infrastructure, and diverse manufacturing capabilities
spanning the chemical, electronics, advanced materials,
and pharmaceutical industries, as well as increasing
attention to nanotechnology environmental, health
and social implications. Developments in nomenclature,
patents, standards, and standard materials have been
initiated in national and international organizations.
Establishment of specific methods for governance
of nanotechnology: a bottom-up multi-agency
governance approach, multi stakeholder assessment,
and scenario development. An illustration is establishment of a “Nanotechnology in Society” network
in the United States.
The vision of international collaboration and competition, including in multinational organizations, has
been realized since the first International Dialogue
on Responsible Development of Nanotechnology
conference, held in the US in 2004.
32
vision for the next decade:
Knowledge, people, and regulatory capacity need
to be prepared to address mass application of
nanotechnology by 2020. Science-driven governance
will be guided by societal needs to responsibly address
broad societal challenges such as sustainability
and health, and handling of the new generations of
nanotechnology products.
Emphasis is expected to increase on innovation and
commercialization. Nanotechnology will become an
enabling technology for many applications. Governance
of nanotechnology will become institutionalized, and
global coordination will be needed for international
terminology, standards, reference materials, materials
certification as well as environmental and health
safety aspects.
Public-private partnerships will integrate discovery
and innovation programs, so that academics, industry
managers, economists, and regulators are involved
throughout the innovation process for societal benefit.
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
Key Functions in Nanotechnology Governance
1999: Outline 2000–2020
Nano1: Vision 2000–2010
Nano2: Vision 2010–2020
Visionary
Nanotechnology
Governance
• Investment policy
• Science policy
• Risk management
• Others…
Invest in tools, infrastructure
Education, innovation
Short and long term results
Transformative
Risk Governance
Four key functions:
Responsible
Disciplines, Economy sectors,
Agencies, International
Inclusive
figure 42. Key functions in nanotechnology governance: visionary, transformative, responsible and inclusive functions.
Need Chart Head
$29
11%
$1
1%
$34
13%
$4
2%
$16
6%
$91
36%
$68
27%
$224
88%
Nano-enabled products
Nanointermediates
Nanomaterials
$139
55%
$76
30%
$79
31%
Manufacturing and materials
Electronics and IT
Healthcare and life sciences
Energy and environment
United States
Europe
Asia
ROW
figure 43. Products touched by nanotechnology generated $254 billion worldwide in 2009.
suMMaRY of inteRnational studY
33
WoRksHops
u.s. and inteRnational WoRksHops
The study “Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal
Needs in 2020” received input from five brainstorming
meetings titled “Long-term Impacts and Future Opportunities
for Nanoscale Science and Engineering.” Public comments
on the draft report were also considered.
Details are at http://www.wtec.org/nano2/
cHicaGo national WoRksHop
Chicago (Evanston), U.S. March 9-10, 2010
Hosted by WTEC
Sponsored by: NSF
96 participants
Agenda at http://www.wtec.org/nano2/docs/Chicago/
Agenda.html
euRopean union WoRksHop
austRalia, cHina, india, saudi aRaBia, and
sinGapoRe WoRksHop
Singapore. July 29-30, 2010
Hosted by Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
Sponsored by: Australia, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
and NSF
61 participants
Agenda at http://www.wtec.org/nano2/docs/Singapore
aRlinGton final WoRksHop
Arlington, Virginia, U.S. September 30, 2010
Hosted by the National Science Foundation,
Sponsored by: NSF and USDA.
90 participants
Agenda at http://www.wtec.org/nano2/
Webcast at http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/
NSFnano2/100930/
Hamburg, Germany. June 23-24, 2010
Hosted by Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY)
Sponsored by: European Commission (EC), DESY, and NSF
60 participants
Public comments: received between September 30, and
October 30, 2010
Agenda at http://www.wtec.org/nano2/docs/Hamburg/
Agenda.html
Japan, koRea, and taiWan WoRksHop
Tokyo (Tsukuba ), Japan. July 26-27, 2010
Hosted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
Sponsored by: JST, MEST, NSC, and NSF
96 participants
Agenda at http://www.wtec.org/nano2/docs/Tokyo/
Agenda.html
34
Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020
“Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in
2020 is a wonderful piece of work. This book reflects the
bible for nanotechnology for the next decades and for the
whole world. Well done.”
—Professor Marcel van de Voorde,
Delft University of Technology, Delft, November 2010
“The National Nanotechnology Initiative story
could provide a useful case study for newer
research efforts into fields such as synthetic
biology, renewable energy or
adaptation to climate change.”
—David Rejeski, Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars, September 2010
“This book provides a comprehensive vision
and an overarching roadmap for the nanotechnology
community. It comes at a great time as we move into the
next decade of nano-enabled commercialization.”
—Vincent Caprio, Executive Director,
NanoBusiness Commercialization Association, November 2010
“Some of these [nanotechnology] research
goals will take 20 or more years to achieve.
But that is why there is such a critical role
for the federal government.”
—President Bill Clinton,
Speech announcing NNI at Caltech, January 2000