Nanotechnology is taking over the tech world and is now inching its way into sustainability. Nanotechnology is defined as science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale. The nanoscale is about 1 to 100 nanometers. This type of technology is extremely useful in the sustainability field for many reasons. But most of all, nanotechnology works well with generating energy.
Energy from Pollution
Pure hydrogen is an extremely renewable and non-polluting fuel source. You can easily produce pure hydrogen with nanotechnology.
Researchers at two universities in Belgium developed a sustainable way to create pure hydrogen. They created two membranes that clean and separate pollutants in the air and extract hydrogen from the mixture. This pure hydrogen is then used as a fuel source that emits water when burned, rather than CO2. This machine runs on solar power, as well, so there is absolutely no pollution coming from this extraction.
Energy from Motion
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have designed a system that creates energy solely from human motion. They bend and press extremely thin sheets of black phosphorus. When they are bent, energy is produced and that energy is stored in a battery. For example, this type of technology could charge your phone as you walk, sit or stand.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas and Hanyang University in South Korea developed another invention that utilizes motion to create energy. They designed a shirt made of carbon nanotubes made into yarn. When this carbon yarn is stretched, energy is produced. For example, a person wearing the shirt can breathe and then produce energy from that movement.
The resources for nanotechnology are readily available. Rather than wait for the technology and designs to be perfect, scientists are taking on these nanotechnology challenges today. Soon in the future, we will see nanotechnology run our lives more efficiently, effectively and sustainably - all for the better.
