This proposal has as its main objective the support of a conference to bring together scientific experts from academia, industry, and government from around the world to present and discuss current research findings in sustainable nanotechnology. While there are some sessions in professional organizations that address some aspects of sustainable nanotechnology, there is no one organization that is specifically aimed at this discipline that allows cross talk from the many disciplines involved. This conference and organization will serve such an interdisciplinary role for professionals and young scholars to pursue research in sustainable nanotechnology.
Intellectual Merit:
The conference will serve a role to promote discussion and collaboration focused on research and education in sustainable nanotechnology. This conference will address the critical aspects of sustainable nanotechnology such as life cycle assessment, green synthesis, green energy, industrial partnership, environmental and biological fate, transport, persistence, transformation, exposure assessment, recyclability, and the overall sustainability of engineered nanomaterials. Plenary lectures and keynotes will address issues such as the development of nanomaterials that, through their life cycle, properties and material efficiency, provide a framework for achieving more sustainable technologies, while optimizing performance. In principle, this involves the fundamental/applied research on the chemistry of producing new green nanomaterials; eco-manufacturing processing of nanomaterials and products. Other aspects include, life-cycle performance; modeling and theoretical analyses of materials and their structures in nanomedicine, energy and industrial applications, and life-cycle cost and economic impacts in real life practice. The use of nanomaterials to alleviate adverse consequences from green house effect, exhaustion or abundance of natural resources, and environmental impacts due to the use of nondecomposable materials/composites are also considered appropriate. Special focus will be given to toxicity, transformation and the interactions with the biological system. Hence the conference objectives are to: (i) Bring together scientific experts from academia, industries, and government agencies from around the world to present and discuss current research findings on the subject of sustainability of nanotechnology. (ii) Foster new collaboration between academic and industrial participants for a better understanding of the challenges associated with the sustainability of nanotechnology and (iii) Initiate the formation of a non-profit, worldwide professional society known as Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization(SNO)
Broader Impact:
The sustainable nanotechnology conference will draw attention to the use of nanomaterials to alleviate adverse consequences from green house effect, exhaustion or abundance of natural resources, and environmental impacts due to the use of non-decomposable materials/composites. It is anticipated that 250 industrial partners, materials scientists, government stakeholders, physical and social scientists, engineers, and toxicologists, will present recent research. The relatively small group of participants will be ideal to promote vigorous discussion and close interchange of ideas. The conference will attract between up to 25 participants who are junior scholars (doctoral and postdoctoral students).Thus the conference will provide networking opportunities for scientists at different career stages. The two and half day schedule will foster interactions between young investigators and more established researchers. There are few if any similar conferences in the broad topic of Sustainable Nanotechnology, enhancing the importance of this event to new investigators. In addition, several scientists from underrepresented groups in science will play key roles in the conference. Participants of the Sustainable Nanotechnology conference will come from not only the US but around the globe, ensuring a diverse and expert group to facilitate stimulating discussions.
(1) Special issue: Selected presentations at the SNO conference was recently published in ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng., 2013, 1 (7) pages 685-857. The special issue "Sustainability and Nanotechnology" contains 18 papers of selected work presented during the 2012 Sustainable Nanotechnology Conference. Three papers addressed application of nanotechnology to current environmental issues. Four papers addressed implications to nanotechnology in the environment. Another two papers were focused on nanotechnology uses in energy applications. Seven articles addressed the issue of benign synthesis of nanomaterial. Finally, the issue contained a review on nanosensors for heavy metal detection and a discussion of governance systems for sustainable nanomaterial. 2) Website Development: A website (www.susnano.org) has been created and is continually being updated for SNO and upcoming events. 3) Creation of a non-professional organization called (SNO). The conference has led to the official launching of a new organization and a community of researchers, industrial members, students and government sectors. 4) Development of a database with over 1,000 names and organizations. 5) Creation of SNO Forum: SNO forum has been created and linked with nanohub: In order to be an effective organization that speaks for its membership, SNO has developed a members-only forum on its web page. This forum will develop the consensus needed to form the basis of a developing strategy for future SNO activities. In addition, the forum will provide a place for feedback and new ideas for the conference. SNO forum provides a medium for membership discussion on contemporary topics. Members are encouraged to visit www.susnano.org to join the discussion. 6) SNO industrial membership program: SNO invites nanotechnology related industries to participate in the development of the organization and its multifaceted activities. Activities include among others, annual conferences, training workshops, and educational outreach activities for the lay public. 7) Annual conference established. The second annual SNO conference will be held on Nov 305, 2013 in Santa Barbara, CA.
