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Nanotechnology

Bright future of Quantum dots!

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Quantum dots are nanoscale man-made semiconductor crystals (nanocrystals) that have the ability to convert a spectrum of light into different colours and have been gaining significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and potential applications in a wide range of industries. This post aims to provide an overview of the market potential of quantum dots and their usage in various fields.

Quantum dots are nanostructures that can exhibit a wide range of properties. Due to their unique electronic characteristics, they can be utilized as active materials in single-electron transistors, for instance. The exhibited properties are determined not only by their size, but also by their material, shape, composition, and structure, such as whether they are solid or porous. It is a dependable manufacturing technology that exploits the properties of quantum dots for a variety of applications in fields such as catalysis, electronics, photonics, information storage, imaging, medicine, and sensing.

Due to the fact that certain biological molecules are capable of molecular recognition and self-assembly, nanocrystals have the potential to become an essential component of self-assembled functional nanodevices.In addition, the atom-like energy states of QDs contribute to their unique optical properties, such as a particle-size-dependent fluorescence wavelength; an effect utilized in the fabrication of optical probes for biological and medical imaging.

Each Quantum dot emits a different colour depending on its size. (Image: RNGS Reuters/Nanosys)

Market Potential of Quantum Dots

The value of the global quantum dots market was USD 4.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 14.5 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 18.8% from 2021 to 2027 (depending on the source). This expansion can be attributed to the growing demand for quantum dots in the display industry, the largest application segment for quantum dots. Quantum dots offer numerous advantages over conventional display technologies, including a wider color gamut, enhanced color accuracy, and greater energy efficiency. In addition, the atom-like energy states of QDs contribute to their unique optical properties, such as a particle-size-dependent fluorescence wavelength; an effect utilized in the fabrication of optical probes for biological and medical imaging.

Apart from the display industry, quantum dots have a vast range of potential applications in other industries such as healthcare, energy, and security. In healthcare, quantum dots are being used in diagnostics, imaging, and drug delivery. Quantum dots have also shown potential in the field of solar cells, where they can improve the efficiency of solar cells by capturing a broader range of light. Additionally, quantum dots have been used in security applications such as authentication and anti-counterfeiting.

Usage Potential of Quantum Dots:

  1. Display Technology

As mentioned earlier, quantum dots offer significant advantages over traditional display technologies, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Quantum dots enable displays to produce more accurate and vivid colors while consuming less energy. They are also resistant to degradation and provide longer lifespan to the displays.

  1. Healthcare

Quantum dots have shown potential in various healthcare applications such as diagnostics, imaging, and drug delivery.  When activated by light, quantum dots can emit specific wavelengths as fluorescent probes. This makes them sensitive and selective sensors for proteins, nucleic acids, and tiny compounds. Quantum dots can be functionalized with ligands or antibodies that preferentially attach to target biomolecules for immunoassays, DNA/RNA detection, and point-of-care testing. Their brightness, photostability, and multiplexing make them suitable for accurate and quick biomolecule detection, improving diagnostics and disease monitoring.

Quantum dots are promising contrast agents in fluorescence microscopy and MRI. Their brilliant and stable fluorescence can mark and track cells, tissues, or biomolecules in real time, revealing cellular activities, tissue architecture, and disease development. Quantum dots’ magnetic characteristics enhance contrast and imaging sensitivity in MRI. Quantum dots can be made with unique surface qualities to target specific tissues or cells for precise, non-invasive disease imaging.

Vials of quantum dots producing vivid colors. For instance, a cadmium-based quantum dot showing pure, highly specific green color response. (Image: NASA)

Drug delivery methods can increase efficacy and safety with quantum dots. Their small size, high surface area, and customizable surface characteristics make them suitable drug carriers. Quantum dots can be functionalized with targeting ligands that bind to receptors or biomolecules on target cells to selectively absorb and accumulate. Targeted medication administration reduces off-target effects and increases drug concentration at the site of action, improving therapeutic outcomes and lowering systemic toxicity. Quantum dots can also release medications slowly, prolonging their therapeutic effect.

  1. Energy

Quantum dots can improve the efficiency of solar cells by capturing a broader range of light.  Using quantum dots to manufacture solar cells has a number of advantages over alternative methods. They can be produced in an energy-saving room-temperature process from abundant, inexpensive materials that do not require extensive purification, unlike silicon, and they can be applied to a variety of inexpensive and even flexible substrate materials, such as lightweight plastics.

A promising method for quantum dot solar cells is the use of a semiconductor ink, which aims to enable the coating of large areas of solar cell substrates in a single deposition step, thereby eradicating the tens of deposition steps required by the previous layer-by-layer method. Although using quantum dots as the basis for solar cells is not a novel concept, attempts to create photovoltaic devices have not yet obtained a sufficiently high conversion efficiency of sunlight into electricity.

  1. Security

Anti-counterfeiting: Quantum dots in security inks or identifiers create distinctive, unforgeable patterns. Quantum dots emit light at specific wavelengths when stimulated by ultraviolet light, which can be used as a signature or barcode for authentication. Using specialized detectors, quantum dots can validate the authenticity of banknotes, passports, and other vital documents.

Quantum dots can be utilized as quantum light sources for secure communication. Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses quantum mechanics to create secure communication channels utilizing single photons from quantum dots. Due to their high quantum yield and wavelength-tunable emission, quantum dots hold promise for secure communications.

Quantum dots are tamper-evident labels that help secure shipments and merchandise. Quantum dots can be combined with inks or coatings that change color or emit light when tampered with, thereby indicating product or packaging corruption. This protects against forgery and manipulation.

Quantum dots can be used for fingerprint and iris recognition for biometric security. As fluorescent labels, quantum dots enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of biometric sensors. Quantum dots can detect unique DNA sequences in systems that rely on DNA for authentication.

Quantum cryptography: Using quantum physics, quantum dots can securely transmit cryptographic keys. Quantum cryptography devices use quantum dots as light sources or detectors to generate and detect quantum states for secure key exchange.

In conclusion,

quantum dots represent a cutting-edge technology that holds great promise for the future. With their unique properties and versatility, they offer a wide range of potential applications across various industries. From displays to lighting, to biomedical imaging, to solar cells and beyond, quantum dots are poised to revolutionize multiple sectors. Their ability to manipulate light at the nanoscale opens up new possibilities for enhanced performance and improved efficiency in existing technologies, while also paving the way for entirely new applications. As research and development in quantum dots continue to advance, the market potential for this technology is substantial.

Quantum dots are undoubtedly an attractive alternative to traditional technologies, and their vast usage potential is just beginning to be explored, making them a technology to watch in the coming years. The future of quantum dots is bright, and their impact on various industries is likely to be profound.

Nanoparticles in CO2 separation

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Introduction:

The continuous increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, has led to global warming and climate change. One of the solutions to mitigate the harmful effects of CO2 emissions is to separate and capture CO2 from industrial and biogas emissions. Several methods have been developed to achieve this, but the use of nanoparticles in CO2 separation from biogas has shown great potential due to its benefits. 

Captured CO2 presents an opportunity elsewhere as, globally, some 230 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide (CO2) are used every year. The largest consumer is the fertiliser industry, where 130 Mt CO2 is used in urea manufacturing, followed by oil and gas, with a consumption of 70 to 80 Mt CO2 for enhanced oil recovery. Other commercial applications include food and beverage production, metal fabrication, cooling, fire suppression and stimulating plant growth in greenhouses. Most commercial applications today involve direct use of CO2.

Biogas is a renewable energy source that is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste such as animal manure, crop residues, and food waste. Biogas typically contains about 50-70% methane (CH4) and 30-50% carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as trace amounts of other gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and water vapor. The CO2 in biogas must be separated before it can be used as a fuel, as the presence of CO2 reduces the heating value of the gas and can cause corrosion in pipelines and equipment.

Traditional methods for separating CO2 from biogas include physical absorption, chemical absorption, and membrane separation. However, these methods have limitations such as low selectivity, high energy consumption, and high capital costs. Nanoparticles offer a promising alternative for CO2 separation from biogas, as they can provide high selectivity, low energy consumption, and low capital costs. This white paper discusses the benefits of using nanoparticles in CO2 separation from biogas.

Nanoparticles and CO2 separation from biogas:

Nanoparticles are particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. They exhibit unique properties such as high surface area to volume ratio, high reactivity, and size-dependent optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. These properties make nanoparticles attractive for various applications, including CO2 separation from biogas.

Nanoparticles can be used in two main ways for CO2 separation: as sorbents or as membranes. In the sorbent approach, nanoparticles are dispersed in a liquid or solid matrix and used to selectively adsorb CO2 from biogas. In the membrane approach, nanoparticles are incorporated into a polymer matrix to form a thin film that allows the selective permeation of CO2 while blocking other gases.

Benefits of Nanoparticle-based CO2 Separation

  1. High selectivity:

Nanoparticles can be engineered to have high selectivity for CO2 over other gases in biogas, such as CH4 and H2S. This means that they can selectively capture CO2 while leaving other gases behind. Nanoparticles have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, which allows them to adsorb CO2 effectively. This results in a higher purity of captured CO2 and lower energy consumption for downstream purification with minimal loss of CH4, which is the main component of biogas.

  1. Improved kinetics:

The use of nanoparticles in CO2 separation from biogas improves the kinetics of the separation process. Nanoparticles have a high diffusion coefficient, which means that CO2 molecules can diffuse into the pores of the nanoparticles quickly. This results in a faster separation process, leading to a higher CO2 capture rate.

  1. Reduced energy consumption:

The use of nanoparticles in CO2 separation from biogas can reduce the energy consumption required for separation. The high selectivity and improved kinetics of nanoparticles reduce the energy required for downstream purification. Additionally, nanoparticles can be regenerated at lower temperatures, resulting in lower energy consumption during regeneration. Nanoparticle-based CO2 separation processes can operate at lower temperatures and pressures than traditional methods, which reduces energy consumption and operating costs.

  1. Scalability:

The use of nanoparticles in CO2 separation from biogas is scalable. Nanoparticles can be produced in large quantities, making them suitable for large-scale industrial applications although producing high quality and consistent nanoparticles is challenging. Additionally, the use of nanoparticles does not require significant changes to existing separation processes, making them easy to integrate into existing systems.

  1. Cost-effective:

The use of nanoparticles in CO2 separation from biogas is cost-effective. Nanoparticles are relatively cheap and can be produced using a variety of methods, including sol-gel, precipitation, and nanospray-drying. Additionally, the reduced energy consumption and scalability of nanoparticles lead to lower costs of separation and capture. Nanoparticle-based CO2 separation processes require less equipment and infrastructure than traditional methods, which lowers capital costs.

 

Which nanoparticles are most promising for CO2 separation?

Several types of nanoparticles have been investigated for CO2 separation, but some have shown more promise than others.

  1. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): MOFs are a class of porous materials that consist of metal ions or clusters coordinated to organic ligands. They have high surface areas and tunable pore sizes, making them attractive for CO2 separation. MOFs have shown high selectivity and fast kinetics for CO2 separation from biogas.
  2. Zeolites: Zeolites are porous materials with a crystalline structure that consist of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen atoms. They have a high surface area and well-defined pore structure, making them suitable for CO2 separation. Zeolites have shown high selectivity for CO2 separation from biogas, but their kinetics can be slower compared to other nanoparticle types.
  3. Metal Oxides: Metal oxide nanoparticles, such as silica and titania, have also shown promise for CO2 separation. They have high surface areas and can be functionalized to increase their selectivity for CO2 separation. Metal oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized using a variety of methods and are relatively inexpensive compared to other nanoparticle types.
  4. Carbon-based nanomaterials: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical carbon molecules with high aspect ratios and high surface areas. They have shown high selectivity and fast kinetics for CO2 separation. CNTs can be synthesized using a variety of methods, but their production can be expensive compared to other nanoparticle types. Also graphene-based materials have been explored for CO2 separation due to their high surface area, tunable pore structure, and chemical stability. They can be functionalized with various chemical groups to enhance their CO2 selectivity and adsorption capacity.
  5. Silica nanoparticles: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and other silica-based materials have been studied for CO2 capture because of their high surface area, tunability, and stability. They can be functionalized with amine groups, which have a high affinity for CO2, to improve their separation performance.
  6. Polymer-based nanoparticles: Nanoparticles encapsulated within or adsorbed to polymers, such as polyvinylamine (PVAm) and polyethyleneimine (PEI), have also been investigated for CO2 separation. These materials can be synthesized with a high density of amine functional groups, which can selectively capture CO2 through chemisorption.

It’s important to note that research in this field is ongoing, and the most promising nanoparticles for CO2 separation may change as new materials are developed and existing materials are further optimized.

Market potential for using nanoparticle for CO2 separation.


The market potential for using nanoparticles for CO2 separation is significant and is expected to grow in the coming years. The global demand for CO2 capture technologies is driven by several factors, including increasing regulations on CO2 emissions, the need to mitigate climate change, and the growing demand for cleaner energy sources. The use of nanoparticles for CO2 separation offers several advantages, including high selectivity, improved kinetics, reduced energy consumption, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global market for CO2 capture, utilization, and storage is projected to reach $4.9 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1% from 2022 to 2027. The report states that the use of advanced materials, including nanoparticles, for CO2 capture is one of the key drivers of market growth.

Image source: www.marketsandmarkets.com

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have been identified as crucial components in the fight against climate change, and nanoparticles could potentially improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these processes. Some of the factors contributing to the market potential include:

  1. Increasing CO2 emissions: As global industrial activities continue to grow, CO2 emissions are expected to increase as well, leading to greater demand for effective and efficient carbon capture technologies.
  2. Regulatory policies and incentives: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on CO2 emissions and providing incentives for companies to invest in carbon capture technologies. This will likely drive the adoption of innovative solutions, such as nanoparticle-based separation techniques.
  3. Advancements in nanotechnology: Ongoing research and development in nanotechnology are leading to the discovery of new materials and methods that can improve the efficiency of CO2 separation. This can lower the costs of carbon capture and make it more attractive for industrial applications.
  4. Growing interest in clean energy: The global shift toward clean and renewable energy sources is driving the need for technologies that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based power plants and other industrial processes.

Potential applications across industries: Nanoparticle-based CO2 separation technologies can be employed across various industries, such as power generation, cement production, steel manufacturing, and chemical production, among others.

However, it is essential to note that the market potential is also subject to several challenges, including the need for further research to optimize the use of nanoparticles, the scalability of the technology, and the potential environmental and health risks associated with nanoparticles.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the benefits of using nanoparticles for CO2 separation from biogas, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the scalability of the nanoparticle-based processes. While large-scale production and processing of nanoparticles is a common place, high quality, size-consistent and high purity nanoparticle production can be challenging and expensive. Another challenge is the potential toxicity of some nanoparticles, which may pose environmental and health risks if released into the environment.

Future directions for research on nanoparticle-based CO2 separation from biogas include the development of more efficient and selective nanoparticles, the optimization of process conditions for maximum separation efficiency, and the evaluation of the environmental and health impacts of nanoparticle-based processes.

Conclusion:

The use of nanoparticles in CO2 separation from biogas offers several benefits, including high selectivity, improved kinetics, reduced energy consumption, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. These benefits make nanoparticles an attractive option for CO2 capture and separation from biogas emissions. Further research and development are needed to optimize the use of nanoparticles in industrial applications, but their potential as a solution to mitigate CO2 emissions is promising.

MOFs, zeolites, metal oxides, CNTs, graphene, silica and Polymer based nanoparticles have all shown promise for CO2 separation from biogas. Each nanoparticle type has its advantages and disadvantages, and their suitability depends on the specific separation application. Further research is needed to optimize the use of nanoparticles in CO2 separation and to determine the most promising nanoparticle types for large-scale industrial applications.

The market potential for using nanoparticles for CO2 separation is significant and is expected to grow in the coming years. The increasing demand for CO2 capture technologies, coupled with the advantages offered by nanoparticles, makes them a promising solution for mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the actual growth of this market will depend on the development of effective, cost-efficient, and scalable solutions, as well as supportive regulatory policies and incentives.

Ultra long-life batteries – thanks to nanoparticles!

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Batteries power much of our modern day life – from our phones, laptop computers, cars and may other devices we use every day and take for granted.

Yet the lifespan of current battery technology is disappointingly short – at best giving us a few years of reliable service and at worst catching fire or even exploding. Apart from the obvious inconvenience of our devices running out of power, this short lifespan creates major environmental issues with the need to source increasingly large amounts of raw materials, and the disposal of growing mountains of defunct batteries.

Much of our current battery technology is based on lithium-ion technology. Electrochemical lithium insertion and extraction often severely alters the electrode crystal chemistry, and this contributes to degradation with electrochemical cycling. Moreover, electrodes do not act in isolation, and this can be difficult to manage, especially in all-solid-state batteries. Therefore, discovering materials that can reversibly insert and extract large quantities of the charge carrier (Li+), that is, high capacity, with inherent stability during electrochemical cycles is necessary. 

In a recent paper published in Nature Materials (Konuma, I., Goonetilleke, D., Sharma, N. et al. A near dimensionally invariable high-capacity positive electrode material. Nat. Mater. (2022).) the authors examined lithium-excess vanadium oxides with a disordered rocksalt structure as high-capacity and long-life positive electrode materials. 

Nanosized Li8/7Ti2/7V4/7O2 in optimized liquid electrolytes delivered a large reversible capacity of over 300 mAh g−1 with two-electron V3+/V5+ cationic redox, reaching 750 Wh kg−1 versus metallic lithium.

Critically, highly reversible Li storage and no capacity fading for 400 cycles were observed in all-solid-state batteries with a sulfide-based solid electrolyte. X-ray diffraction combined with high-precision dilatometry reveals excellent reversibility and a near dimensionally invariable character during electrochemical cycling, which is associated with reversible vanadium migration on lithiation and delithiation.

This work demonstrates an example of an electrode/electrolyte couple that produces high-capacity and long-life batteries enabled by multi-electron transition metal redox with a structure that is near invariant during cycling.

In plain English, in future batteries based on this technology could have an almost infinite life, extending the useful life of our devices and reducing the need to mine new materials or dispose of old worn-out batteries!

ADVANCED MATERIALS 2030 MANIFESTO FOR EUROPE

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“Advanced materials” are materials designed with a purpose to have novel or enhanced properties and improve performance over conventional materials, products and processes.

Many of the challenges facing society today, including sustainability in agriculture, further development of electronics, improved transportation solutions and requirements for renewable energy sources all benefit from contunuing advances in materials technology.

Whilst strong in many fields, Europe is currently seen to be lagging behind in some key industries including industrial biotech and nanotechnology.

The accompanying graph provides a ranking of performance in key technologies in technology generation, start-up creation and skills comparing EU with US, China and Japan7 (source: EC SWD (2021) 352). This graph highlights key industries in which Europe is lagging behind, e.g., Security, Industrial Biotech, Nanotech, Robotics, AI, Micro-and Nanoelectronics, and Big Data.

Advanced Materials
Source: MATERIALS 2030 MANIFESTO
Systemic Approach of Advanced Materials for Prosperity – A 2030 Perspective

With Advanced Materials playing a pivotal role in all of these areas, Europe must build on its strength by creating suitable ecosystems that allow it to overcome this weakness. Defending and further building on our strategic position in “Advanced Materials” will be a core asset when combined with our leadership in manufacturing industry capacity and competency (automobile, aeronautics, …).

Advanced Materials 2030 Manifesto

The MATERIALS 2030 MANIFESTO (Systemic Approach of Advanced Materials for Prosperity – A 2030 Perspective) which was published on 7 February 2022 calls for “a systemic approach to develop the next generation solution-oriented advanced materials which will offer faster, scalable and efficient responses to the challenges and thus turn them into opportunities for Europe’s society, economy and environment today and in the future. “

The Manifesto outlines key areas in which Europe must support the evolution of materials research underway, specifically in the following:

  • Uniting Digital and Material capacities and competences – high performance computing, big data and AI revolutionise the digital modelling, simulation and screening of materials properties, materials development and production processes.
  • Combining technology push and market pull – discovery-led research should be connected with developments along the value chain and scaling up processes led by start-ups and industry.

The document also outlines four fundamental pillars that generate the basis for the development of advanced materials:

  • Safeguarding Europe’s technology leadership;
  • Reducing the environmental footprint by using advanced materials;
  • Securing strategic autonomy; and,
  • Targeting advanced materials innovation markets.

Reaching the Vision with Advanced Materials

Advanced materials are key to providing solutions for many applications that address the challenges mentioned above.

The following diagram helps to demonstrate that there is a significant share of similarity in the materials’ challenges across different markets, creating substantial potential for collaboration.

Two significant crosscutting enablers are coming to the fore: new technologies and innovations (green band) and new polices (blue band). In order to unlock the full potential of advanced materials, digital innovations must be applied within materials development, as well as creating a harmonised understanding on how to measure, quantify and benchmark the sustainability performance of new materials.

Advanced Materials

For more information on the MATERIALS 2030 MANIFESTO please follow the link ( https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/research_and_innovation/research_by_area/documents/advanced-materials-2030-manifesto.pdf).

AEGLE TECHNOLOGY has been founded with this goal in mind. We aim to be a strong active partner in a novel European strategy for a sustainable society through the next generation of advanced materials.

Our approach is to combine academic research and knowledge with experience in all aspects of product research, development and commercialisation. Our team includes world-class expertise in the design and manufacture of advanced materials, experience in large scale IT system development and implementation, implementation of regulatory frameworks, business development and supply chain management.

For more information, please got to our website at https://aegle-technology.es or contact us at sales@aegle-technology.es to discuss your requirements.