The Chinese Solar Machine Layer by Layer Fire in the Library The Mystery Behind Anesthesia
Technology Review picks five important advances in nanotechnology and materials science in 2005 -- and one policy issue that could decide the future of the entire field.
Harvesting Energy from the Sun
Rising oil prices and the threat of global warming have rekindled the search for alternative sources of energy. While we reported this year on the growing acceptance of nuclear power as a source of clean energy, we also described several advances in nanotechnology that may pave the way for more practical solar power. Konarka of Lowell, MA, has pushed forward its "roll-to-roll" solar cell technology, which is based on nanoparticles embedded in a film. While its cells aren't as efficient as conventional ones, they are made using an inexpensive process. The lower price tag, combined with the cells' flexibility, could make solar power available in more places, including the windows of buildings and fabrics for tents, handbags, and other items. We also reported on the use of nanowires for capturing the energy of the sun, which could lead to higher efficiency from inexpensive cells.
The Lithium Economy
Light lithium-based batteries can pack quite a punch -- so much so that they've been too dangerous to group together in high-power applications, such as cordless drills and hybrid cars. Now, thanks to computer modeling that identifies promising new battery materials, this is no longer the case. This year we saw the introduction of lithium ion battery packs in cordless tools, and 2006 will bring more such applications, as well as a move toward lighter, more powerful hybrid cars. Eventually, materials monitoring could lead to batteries with enough power and energy density to make electric cars practical -- and a pleasure to drive. Because lithium batteries don't have the distribution problems inherent in hydrogen, batteries could beat out fuel cells in the cars of the future.
Toward Self-Assembling Devices
A nanotech dream is the "one-pot" synthesis: combine raw materials, mix, bake -- and out comes a working device made from nanoscale parts. Such a synthesis technique wouldn't require as much energy as the high-temperature reactions in the semiconductor industry today. It would also dramatically cut down on the use of dangerous solvents and the production of waste materials. And it would also be cheap. Angela Belcher at MIT is directing the evolution of viruses and yeasts to make such self-assembly possible. Others hope to use diatoms as templates for nanodevices. In our current Technology Review magazine (Dec. 2005/Jan. 2006) we describe a nanomachine that could help assemble single-molecule memory devices.
Nanomedicine
This year saw the advance of fantastically sensitive nanosensors capable of detecting disease at its earliest stages -- when it can still be treated. Charles Lieber and Xiaowei Zhuang, chemistry professors at Harvard, demonstrated that nanowires could be used to detect a single viral particle. An array of such detectors might be able to screen almost instantly for as many as one hundred different viruses at once -- a boon for doctors diagnosing disease or a country defending against biological attacks.
Guest (TR)
wow. how daring. another article about some companies that were already mentioned in previous Tech Review articles. learned a lot.
Guest (CatoTheElderII)
Thank you for the article. I did find it interesting. Id be curious to find out what 2005 saw in terms of tackling the tougher questions related to nano tech, such as the problems presented by Bill Joy previously. Weve had time to consider the issues he raised and Id be curious to know what nano technologists have proposed as far as answers to his concerns, if any.
Guest (Tom King)
Improvements in Lithium Batteries
Im glad to see increased discussion on the progress made in battery storage. I hear that Lithium storage capacity is advancing at about 9% a year. Combined with increased manufacturing efficiency, I think prices might end up falling fairly quickly.
Guest (Tom King)
Improvements in Lithium Batteries
Im glad to see increased discussion on the progress made in battery storage. I hear that Lithium storage capacity is advancing at about 9% a year. Combined with increased manufacturing efficiency, I think prices might end up falling fairly quickly.
Guest (CatoTheElderII)
Thank you for the article. I did find it interesting. Id be curious to find out what 2005 saw in terms of tackling the tougher questions related to nano tech, such as the problems presented by Bill Joy previously. Weve had time to consider the issues he raised and Id be curious to know what nano technologists have proposed as far as answers to his concerns, if any.
Guest (TR)
wow. how daring. another article about some companies that were already mentioned in previous Tech Review articles. learned a lot.
Guest (Jamie)
Guest (Tony Close)
If your interest is in large batteries suit
Try Valence in Austin, TX: http://www.valence.com/
Also understand that Panasonic is working hard on.
Guest (Tony Close)
If your interest is in large batteries suitable for transportation use, try Valence in Austin, TX: http://www.valence.com/
Also understand that Panasonic is working hard on this too.
Guest (Al Shabib)
Where can I buy Polymer solar cell and how much it costs?
can it be manufactured easily or distrubituted?
Regards
W.Al-Shabib@brad.ac.uk
Guest (ohan)
I am based in usa. I am interested in solar cells,systems business
Guest (Kris)
I was just looking this up. One company making these is called "Konarka." They say the material is easily made, but aren't selling directly to consumers yet.
Manufacturing in the United States is in trouble. That's bad news not just for the country's economy but for the future of innovation.
This document is part of the “How-To Guide for Most Common Measurements” centralized resource portal. This tutorial provides a detailed guide for measurement and device considerations to take temperature measurements using thermocouples. Get an introduction to thermocouples, which are inexpensive sensing devices widely used with PC-based data acquisition systems. Also review some specific thermocouple examples and learn how thermocouples work and ways to integrate them into a data acquisition measurement system.
View full PDF >
Guest (Shashi)
Nano world
Good article with exciting deatils.
Reply