How Nanotechnology in Fuel Cells Affects the Environment

The positive contribution of Nanotechnology in fuel cell technology is undeniable. The effectiveness of energy conversion with minimum losses and the reduction of production cost give hopes for a greener environment. But although much is said about the positive effects, even less is known about the potential environmental risks due to extensive nanomaterial and nanoparticle use. All concerns are mostly associated with nanoparticles escaping into the environment. Nanoparticles that are embedded and enclosed inside the cells cannot come into human contact except in the case that they somehow escape from the cell (through being damaged or burned). In addition to that, there's always the risk of leakage during the production, operation, and disposal of fuel cells.

But why is this leakage so dangerous? Due to the nanoparticles' high surface reactivity, new chemical reactions could be ignited on the ground or in the air. Their ability to accumulate in the soil and water could interfere with the delicate food chain balance and have unknown effects on ecosystems.

The health impacts of ultrafine nanoparticles to all living organisms could be severe as well. Some of them are toxic when inhaled and could cause great damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular system of humans and animals. On the other hand, their controllable release into the environment could have a positive view as well. Their high surface area could help in the adsorption of molecular contaminants and clear the environment according to a more ambitious plan. Another major issue is the disposal and recycling of the nanoparticles/nanomaterials used in fuel cells. Many new methods are being tested, but they are only in an experimental stage. In order for recycling to become effective, it should move to an industrial scale.

Is it Harmful for the Environment, After All?

The environmental impacts discussed above have only recently started to puzzle the scientific community. The existing information is not sufficient to assess the environmental risks. Apart from that, the assessment should probably apply specifically to each material rather than to the nanostructured form of the materials in general. Since no reliable analysis method exists on this matter yet, we can only speculate for the future.

https: //www.brighthubengineering.com/power-plants/88526-is-nanotechnology-in-fuel-cells-ultimately-bad-for-the-environment/

Nanotechnology in Energy – Solar

Energy & Power Plants / By johnzactruba / Mechanical Engineering

What is Nanotechnology?

A brick is the smallest building block in construction. Whatever you do, the strength of the building is limited to the strength of the brick. The brick itself is made of minute particles of clay bonded together. One has limited control over how the particle of clay forms. Each particle of clay in turn is formed from molecules joined together in a particular pattern dictated by the forces of nature. What happens if it is possible to arrange these molecules in a pattern that provides greater strength? You get stronger clay and a stronger brick. This results in a much thinner, but stronger wall. This technology of arranging molecules the way we want is a basis of nanotechnology.

In the early days, paint was available in a limited variety of colors for you to choose. Now most of the paint shops have mixers that allow the users to choose the color they require. The manufacturers have to produce and stock only a few basic colors, reducing production and inventory costs at much greater satisfaction to the consumer. The future of nanotechnology will be the personal nano-factories, like the paint mixers, that allow you to produce any material that you require. The shops have to carry only stock in molecular form.

Advances in nanotechnology are moving at an exponential rate. It will eventually encompass every field of human activity including energy.

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