This document outlines Joseph Pickel's presentation on nanotechnology at an American Chemical Society meeting. The presentation provides an overview of nanotechnology, including definitions, its potential applications and impacts, current science, and concerns about risks. It discusses Richard Feynman's early vision for manipulating materials at the nanoscale. It also reviews the growth of nanotechnology research funding and initiatives in the US and globally. Concerns about environmental, health, and safety risks are addressed, as well as the need for oversight and management of these issues to ensure responsible development of the technology.

1. A Scientific Perspective on the Need for and
Future of Nanotechnology
Joseph M. Pickel
August 20, 2007
American Chemical Society
Fall 2007 Meeting
OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

2. Presentation Outline
• What is Nanotechnology (Definitions and history)
• Conceptions of Nano (Visions and possibilities)
• Perceptions of Nano (Concerns both genuine
and mythological)
• Current Science of Nanotechnology (Realities
and what’s out there today)

3. What is Nanoscience?
• A revolution in the way we look at the physical
world
• Fills a gap between single atoms/molecules
and larger microstructures
• Addresses materials behavior at dimensions
of 1-100 nm
– Properties depend on size (quantum
mechanics)
– New and unexpected phenomena
– Requires atom-by-atom assembly
• The Challenge: How to use atoms,
molecules, and nanoscale materials as
building blocks for larger assemblies with new
functionalities
• Inherently multidisciplinary:
– Chemistry, physics, biology, engineering,
mathematics, computer science….

4. The Scale of Things -- Nanometers and More
Things Natural Things Manmade
10-2 m 1 cm
10 mm
Head of a pin 21st Century
1,000,000 nanometers =
1-2 mm Challenge
Ant 10-3 m 1 millimeter
~5 (mm)
mm
MicroElectroMechanical Devices
Dust mite 10 -100 µm wide
200 µm 0.1 mm
10-4 m
100 µm
The Microworld
Fly ash
Human hair ~ 10-20 µm
~ 10-50 µm wide O
0.01 mm
P
O O
10-5 m
10 µm
O O O O
O O O O O O O O
O O O O O O O O
Red blood cells S S S S S S S S
with white cell
~ 2-5 µm 1,000 nanometers =
10-6 m 1 micrometer Red blood cells
Pollen grain
spectrum
(µm)
Visible
Combine nanoscale
10-7 m 0.1 µm building blocks to
100 nm make functional
The Nanoworld
devices, e.g., a
photosynthetic
reaction center with
integral
10-8 m 0.01 µm Nanotube electrode Nanotube transistor semiconductor
~10 nm 10 nm storage
diameter
ATP synthase
10-9 m 1 nanometer (nm)
DNA
~2-1/2 nm 10-10 m 0.1 nm Quantum corral of 48 iron atoms on copper Carbon nanotube
Atoms of silicon surface ~2 nm diameter
diameter spacing ~tenths of nm positioned one at a time with an STM tip
Corral diameter 14 nm

5. Nanotechnology is the Science of Interfaces
• Surface effects
For 30 nm particle: 5 % of atoms are on surface
For 3 nm particle: 50 % of atoms are on surface
• Interfaces of Scientific Disciplines
– Materials, biological, physical sciences all
contribute!

6. Richard Feynman’s Vision:
“There’s plenty of room at the bottom”
• Why can’t we manipulate materials atom by atom?
• Why can’t we control
the synthesis of
individual molecules?
• Why can’t we write
all of human knowledge
on the head of a pin?
• Why can’t we build machines to accomplish these
things?
• Nobel Laureate, Physics 1965

7. Why now? What has changed?
• New tools for atomic-scale characterization
• New capabilities for single atom/molecule manipulation
• Computational access to large systems of atoms
and long time scales
• Convergence of scientific-disciplines at the nanoscale
• The baby now has a name!

8. Pre-existing NANO Conditions
“Oh yeah, nanotechnology — we used to call that
'chemistry.‘”
- Anonymous quote in Road & Track Magazine
Natural Man-Made
Nanomaterials Nanomaterials
– Biomaterials with – Carbon Black (used in
nanometer-scale tires since WWII)
dimensions have – Fumes
existed on Earth as – Combustion products
long as life has! (C&E • Diesel Exhaust
News) • Campfires
– DNA (~2-1/2 nm) • BURNT TOAST!

9. Nanotechnology in the 21st Century
• Dramatic advances at the frontiers of physics, chemistry,
materials sciences, and biology
• New products and services for medicine, materials,
information technology, energy, environment, biotechnology,
and national security
• Broad engagement of the public
to address societal implications
Nanoscience will change the nature
of almost every human-made object
in the next century.
National Science and Technology Council, 2000

10. Potential Impact of Nanoscience and Technology:
Humanity’s top ten problems
for next 50 years
Energy
Water
Food
Environment
Poverty
Terrorism & war
Disease
Education
Democracy
2004 6.5 Billion People
Population 2050 ~ 10 Billion People

11. The Promise of Nanotechnology
 More powerful computers and
information storage devices
 Fast chemical analyses using
minute quantities of materials
 New approaches for medical
diagnosis, treatment, and drug
delivery
 New catalysts for cleaner,
more efficient chemical
and energy industries
 100-times stronger than current
materials
• New technologies for energy production and conversion (fuel cells,
solid-state lighting, photovoltaics)
• Next-generation superconductors for more efficient energy transmission

12. What if we could build an elevator to space...
• Arthur Clarke
envisioned this two
decades ago in his
science fiction book,
The Fountains of
Paradise
• Carbon nanotubes,
new materials
discovered in the
1990s, offer the first
hope of doing this

13. Economic Impact of Nanotechnology
Market Size Predictions
(within a decade)*
$340B/yr Materials
$300B/yr Electronics
$180B/yr Pharmaceuticals
$100B/yr Chemical manufacture
$ 70B/yr Aerospace
$ 20B/yr Tools
$ 30B/yr Improved healthcare
$ 45B/yr Sustainability
$1 Trillion per year by 2015
*Estimates by industry groups, source: NSF

14. U.S. Industry is Serious About Nanotechnology
General Electric 2003 Annual Report:
“To Defeat the Commodity Threat”
“Next Generation
“Molecular Medicine” “Nanotechnology”
Energy”
• Molecular • Nano for energy
• Fuel Cells
diagnostics • Nano for healthcare
• Hydrogen
• Photovoltaics • Molecular imaging • Nano for advanced
• Turbines • Molecular materials
knowledge • Nano for
transportation

15. Government Responses to Nanotechnology
Estimated government-sponsored U.S. budget by
nanoscience R&D in $ millions/year agency
1997 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
NSF 305
DOD 276
Europe 126 200 270 400 650 900
DOE 211
Japan 120 245 465 650 810 920
NIH 89
USA 116 270 465 604 862 961 NIST 53
Others 70 110 380 520 800 920 NASA 35
Total 432 825 1580 2174 3122 3701 Others 13
FY 05 $982M
FY 06 > $1B

16. National Nanotechnology Initiative
Sep 1998 The Interagency Working Group on Nanoscience, Engineering, and
Technology (IWGNSET)
formed by the NSTC. The IWG meets monthly. Participating
agencies: NSF, DOE, DOD,
NIH, NASA, DOC/NIST and later also CIA, DOJ, DOS, DOT,
DOTreas, EPA, NRC, USDA
Aug 1999 The IWG releases National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) report after
extensive input from the scientific community
Aug-Nov 1999 BES reports
Complex Systems: Science for the 21st Century
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/complexsystems.htm
Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Research Directions
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/nanoscale.html
Sep-Oct 1999 The six principal agencies brief OMB and a PCAST panel charged to
the
review the proposed NNI
Feb 2000 The NNI is initiated as part of the FY 2001 budget request
Fall 2001- Spring 2002 National Academy of Sciences reviews the NNI activities
Spring 2003 NNI: From Vision to Commercialization
2004: Ongoing workshops to elucidate nanoscale science and technology
opportunities
June 2005: NNI Workshop on X-rays and Neutrons: Essential Tools for

17. National Nanotechnology Initiative Focus Areas
 Long-term, fundamental nanoscience and engineering
research
 Centers and networks of excellence
 Nanoscale Science Research Centers – the DOE “flagship” NNI
activity
 Research infrastructure
 Grand challenge areas
1. fficient energy conversion and storage
E
2. anoelectronics, optoelectronics, and magnetics
N
3. ational security
N
4. anostructured materials “by design” – stronger, lighter, tougher,
N
harder, self-repairing, and safer
5. hemical/biological/radiological/explosive (CBRE)detection/protection
C
6. anoscale processes for environmental improvement
N
7. conomical and safe transportation
E
8. dvanced healthcare, therapeutics, and diagnostics
A
9. icrocraft space exploration and industrialization
M
 Ethical, legal, societal implications and workforce
education and training

18. Everyone wants
in on the party: Research
Opportunities
NNI currently consists
of 25 government
agencies and institutes
Most universities have
“NANO” program
Many products
containing “NANO” (if in
name only) appearing
on market
Source: C&E News: April 9, 2007

19. Everyone wants in on the party:
Commercial Opportunities
Common Nanomaterials
Antibacterial Silver ions- coatings on materials, silver ions in
solution as antibacterial agents
Computer chips/ data storage- nanoscale feature allow more
capacity
Improved Carbon Fiber Composites- silica particles (NANO) are
dispersed in CF resins to provide strength
Photo credit: Project on emerging nanotechnologies.

20. Everyone wants in on the party:
Who invited them?

21. A Challenge for New Technologies: ESH, Ethics,
and Social Impact
• Will Nano parallel the path of other new technologies?
– Asbestos?, DDT?, Nuclear technologies?
• “Nanotechnology has a unique opportunity…”: The first platform
technology that introduces a culture of social sensitivity and
environmental awareness early in the lifecycle of the
technology.
• From the UK: Nanotechnology may help the human race to
survive the global problems we have created; or it may
accelerate our downfall.
• A focus on ethics: prevent fear and controversy?
• Initial toxicology studies: controversial…
– Anecdotal more than controlled scientific studies
• Lots of hype – lots of misinformation
– Grey Goo made famous by Eric Drexler,
– Nanobots by Michael Crichton

22. Grey Goo…. and Nanobots
The term was first used by molecular nanotechnology pioneer Eric Drexler in his book Engines
of Creation. In Chapter 4 Engines Of Abundance Drexler explores a scary scenario of
exponential growth with molecular assemblers:
Drexler describes grey goo in Chapter 11 Engines Of Destruction:
"...early assembler-based replicators could beat the most advanced modern organisms. "Plants" with
"leaves" no more efficient than today's solar cells could out-compete real plants, crowding the
biosphere with an inedible foliage. Tough, omnivorous "bacteria" could out-compete real bacteria: they
could spread like blowing pollen, replicate swiftly, and reduce the biosphere to dust in a matter of days.
Dangerous replicators could easily be too tough, small, and rapidly spreading to stop - at least if we
made no preparation. We have trouble enough controlling viruses and fruit flies."
It is thus worth noting that grey goo need not be grey or gooey. They could be like, for all
purposes, a plant or bacteria. It is only the result of their ecophagy that would resemble grey
goo.
"I wish I had never used the term 'grey goo' " Drexler, Nature 10 June 2004

23. Nano Safety Issues are a Major Focus of
Researchers and Policy Makers
A sampling of the possible pathways a nanomaterial might follow in the environment.
Understanding how these pathways work for nanomaterials is key to predicting their
environmental impact.
Image Credit: Vicki Colvin, Rice University

24. The Nanoethics Group is a non-partisan and independent organization that studies
the ethical and societal implications of nanotechnology. We also engage the
public as well as collaborate with nanotech ventures and research institutes on
related issues that will impact the industry.
By proactively opening a dialogue about the possible misuses and unintended
consequences of nanotechnology, the industry can avoid the mistakes that others
Nano-creations: have made repeatedly in business, most recently in the biotech sector - ignoring
the issues, reacting too late and losing the critical battle of public opinion.
"Is it the next ______________________________________________________
best thing to __
sliced bread...or
NEWS!
the next
asbestos?" Here are links to the most recent news about us:
MIT Technology Review - First nano-product safety recall? (Apr. 10, 2006)
- Dr. Mark Nanotechnology Perceptions - "Nanoethics and Human Enhancement: A Critical
Wiesner, Evaluation of Recent Arguments" (Mar. 27, 2006)
professor, Rice Press Release - Nanoethics Lecture at International Physics Symposium (Feb. 6,
University's 2006)
Center for ComputerWorld - "Group Calls for Closer Look at Nanotech Ethics, Safety
Risks" (Jan. 23, 2006)
Biological and
Press Release - The Nanoethics Advisory Board (Jan. 23, 2006)
Environmental
Click here - for more news and announcements.
Nanotechnology
(CBEN) Call For Papers - We're always interested in the latest thinking in nanoethics, if you
have a new paper to contribute for one of our many ongoing projects.

25. We are basing our decisions on speculation,
not evidence. Proponents are pressing their Topic of a recent DC
views with more PR than scientific data. Event:
Indeed, we have allowed the whole issue to be “Nanotechnology and
politicized Nature: Can we Reduce
any Risks & still Reap
Michael Creighton… Speaking to National the Rewards”
Press Club (on Global Warming debate)

26. Myths to Debunk (Scientifically)!
• Nanomaterials are appearing on the planet for the first
time
• Nanomaterials though varied, will all have the same
hazards
• Nanotechnology is fully developed and we can
contemplate all possible hazards at the present time
• Nanotechnology hazards that are reflected in science
fiction and “visionary predictions” are real
• Nanobots (grey goo) will envelop us all following this
talk

27. What we’re up against!
General Public “Scientifically Aware”
New National Poll Finds: More In a survey of 500 Science
Americans Know Snow White's Teachers:
Dwarfs Than Supreme Court
Judges, Homer Simpson Than - 17% knew what a GFI was
Homer's Odyssey, and Harry
Potter Than Tony Blair - 12% knew the best type of
– ULLES, Va. & UTICA, N.Y.--
D fire extinguisher for a
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2006-
science lab
Political Knowledge – Then and Now
1989 2007 Diff
- 14% knew the use of
Percent who could name… % % MSDSs
The current vice president 74 69 -5 - 25% knew chemicals
Their state’s governor 74 66 -8
The president of Russia* 47 36 -11
should not be stored
alphabetically
Sources:
Gold Rush Pop Culture Poll from AOL and Mark Burnett - Conducted by Zogby International
Pew Charitable Trust Survey
The Lab Safety Institute

28. And now for something completely different…
Some Science

29. Small is Different
• Quantum mechanics
• Thermal motion Hardness of Silver/Chromium
• Electric charge multilayers
6
• Behavior dominated by 20 nm alternating Ag/Cr film
surface atoms 5
Hardness (GPa)
4
Nanoclusters are surface systems Cr
3
Fraction of surface atoms
Cluster size Rule of mixtures value
On the Within 1 atom of 2
surface the surface
Ag
106 atoms 0.06 0.12 1
105 atoms 0.12 0.23 0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
104 atoms 0.25 0.45
Plastic depth (nm)
103 atoms 0.49 0.78 Nanoscale structure controls bulk
properties

30. Carbon Nanotube Devices
• Highly-localized fiber optic and electroanalytical probes
– Applications in sensors, microfluidic detection, and cell imaging
• DNA delivery
• Neuron interfacing
(sensing and control)
• Field emission and
solid-state lighting

31. Nanocluster-strengthened Steels
• Creep rate of nanocluster-strengthened steels is ~6 orders of magnitude lower
than that of conventional steels
• Nanoclusters remain virtually unchanged during long-term creep tests at 850°C
• Nanoscale structure is key to high temperature performance of conventional
steels

32. Structural Ceramic
Nanoengineering
• Dopant additions can alter the
reinforcing grains that toughen silicon
nitride ceramics
• Using high-resolution electron
microscopy and computer
simulations, we have learned why
these materials are so strong
• These findings provide a basis for the
atomic-scale design of advanced
ceramics

33. Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- DOE BES User Facility
- $65 M construction, $18 M
operating
- 7 Scientific Themes
Macromolecular Complex
Systems, Theory, Functional
Nanomaterials, Catalysis,
Nanophysics, Imaging, Bio-
Nano/Nanofabrication

34. Protecting you, our workers, and the environment
– a focus at the CNMS
• ESH controls built into the facility
– Many of the hazards parallel those in other labs
• Lots of hoods, gas cabinets, etc.
• Use of standard personal protection equipment
– HEPA protection on outgoing exhaust…
• In labs where nano particles are being handled
• Possible for all labs in the building
• Special air monitoring for small particles
• ESH standards are being developed
– Multi-agency effort under the National Nanotechnology Initiative
• American National Standards Institutes (ANSI), EPA, etc.
– DOE is a major participant
• CNMS and the other DOE Nanoscience Centers are leading participants.
• Includes National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

35. The future…
• Some of the dreams and nightmares are too far out there.
As we know, there are known knowns. There are things we know we know.
We also know- There are known unknowns.
That is to say we know there are some things we do not know.
But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don't know we don't know.
—Feb. 12, 2002, Department of Defense news briefing
– There will be some hazards, scientists learn to work with
them!
• If nothing else- NANO will have made a profound effect on
renewing interest in science and the contributions to the
scientific infrastructure
• Anything can happen… The jury is still out!