Societal factors affecting on innovative sustainable development of nanotechnology: a morphological approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the probable future scenarios of nanotechnology development and their implications in Iran considering anticipatory knowledge, suitable methodology and integral perspective. Design/methodology/approach The study used framework morphology, a method for creating scenarios and their implications developed by the Delphi method that covers the consistent morphological space and make contact with previous scenario work, as well as the current and projected research and policy situation in Iran. Findings The study identified five scenarios, namely, “no nano” scenario headlines picturing a future society that there is no impact of nanotechnology in it. The “nano flow” scenario and indicates prospering nanotechnology in the full sides of the market. The “no nano contact” scenario suspecting that apart from the already banned nanotechnological applications in food, cosmetics, clothes and agricultural applications might bear equally unacceptable risks. The “hidden nano” scenario by pointing out the effects of accidents and crimes traced back to intended or unintended misuse of nanotechnological applications. Then finally, the “red nano” scenario illustration headlines the prospects of medical, energy system efficiency and nanotechnological applications in information and communication technologies. Practical implications The policymakers could use the scenarios and their implications as part of its considerations in strategic planning. Originality/value This paper represents the first time that a framework for societal implications has been applied to nanotechnology development topic in Iran.

Introduction

Nanotechnology development was initially “pushed” by fundamental knowledge (nanoscience and nano engineering) and the long-term promise of its transformative power. For this reason, we have done the preparation and governance of nanotechnology differently. This chapter describes the importance of the new nanotechnology for solid dielectric materials in our life. The main definitions of nanotechnology and historical background of nanotechnology materials are obvious. For nano, research policies have been motivated by long-term vision rather than short-term economic and political decisions. So, this chapter contains the concepts of nanodielectrics and nanofluids development. The purpose of present work is presented in this chapter.

Nanotechnology in Industry

Nanotechnology development has a rapid progress for material science that effect on variant applications in our life. For this reason, we have focus on the importance of nanotechnology in electrical applications. This chapter describes the Classification of nanomaterials, dielectrics, nanodielectrics and historical background of nanotechnology materials in our life. This chapter contains the concepts of nanodielectrics, nanofluids development and shed in brief on the electrical and industrial applications of nanotechnology in our life. Also, the purpose of present work is presented in this chapter.

Eco-Friendly 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions on Graphene Quantum Dots in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent

Due to their outstanding physicochemical properties, the next generation of the graphene family—graphene quantum dots (GQDs)—are at the cutting edge of nanotechnology development. GQDs generally possess many hydrophilic functionalities which allow their dispersibility in water but, on the other hand, could interfere with reactions that are mainly performed in organic solvents, as for cycloaddition reactions. We investigated the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (1,3-DCA) reactions of the C-ethoxycarbonyl N-methyl nitrone 1a and the newly synthesized C-diethoxyphosphorylpropilidene N-benzyl nitrone 1b with the surface of GQDs, affording the isoxazolidine cycloadducts isox-GQDs 2a and isox-GQDs 2b. Reactions were performed in mild and eco-friendly conditions, through the use of a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES), free of chloride or any metal ions in its composition, and formed by the zwitterionic trimethylglycine as the -bond acceptor, and glycolic acid as the hydrogen-bond donor. The results reported in this study have for the first time proved the possibility of performing cycloaddition reactions directly to the p-cloud of the GQDs surface. The use of DES for the cycloaddition reactions on GQDs, other than to improve the solubility of reactants, has been shown to bring additional advantages because of the great affinity of these green solvents with aromatic systems.

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN THE FUNCTION OF SUSTAINABLE WATER USE

Nanotechnology, as contemporary field of research in forming of materials and devices on the level of molecule and atoms, is founding broad utilization in different scientific and engineering domains. The influence of nanotechnology on the development of contemporary human society has got a significant potential in domains as economy, environment protection, health and improvement of the quality of life. The need for fresh water as a necessary resource for living world, as well as the economic activity on the level of humanity is growing in the conditions of increasing population, increasing economic activities and increasing pollution. In that sense the conventional methods for water treatment may become ineffective for providing sustainable utilization of water resources in the future. Nanotechnology as a contemporary scientific and engineering field is considered efficient and potentially, the only solution for sustainable utilization of fresh water in the future. The efforts in nanotechnology utilization for sustainability of fresh water resources mean comprehensive approach and clarity in defining goals as well as the ways for their realization. The basic expectations of nanotechnology in the sense of fresh water resources utilization are directed to enhancement of fresh water availability, increase of efficiency of fresh water delivery and enabling next generation systems for fresh water quality monitoring. The increase of fresh water availability by nanotechnology means development of filtering systems and development of membrane systems, inverse osmosis for water desalinization and catalysts for water treatment. Efficiency of fresh water delivery based on nanotechnology means reducing energy necessary for its transportation, developing system of pipes and components which are easier, stronger and which will last longer as well as to provide cheap materials which improve energy efficiency for heating and cooling. All these processes for nanotechnology development aiming to provide sustainable fresh water resources utilization require significant efforts on scientific and engineering level in order to be utilized in everyday life. This paper aims to research the state of the art of nanotechnology development in the domain of sustainable utilization of fresh water resources.

An Overview of the Oil Palm Industry: Challenges and Some Emerging Opportunities for Nanotechnology Development

The increase in the world’s oil demand due to the rise of the global population urges more research into the production of sustainable vegetable oilseeds, among which palm oil is the most suitable candidate as it is the most efficient oilseed crop in the world. In an effort to drive the oil palm industry in the areas of food safety and security nanotechnology could offer a sustainable alternative. However, the utilization of nanotechnology in the oil palm industry is still limited. In this review, we aim to encourage the researchers to fully utilize nanotechnology as an alternative solution to tackle the challenges faced by the oil palm industry. Moreover, we also aim to highlight the opportunities for nanotechnology development in oil palm-based related research. The major points are as follows: (1) Nanosensing enables real-time monitoring of plantation status and crop progression, including soil, water and nutrient management, early pest/disease detection, and the spreading of pests/diseases. The use of nanosensing conveniently extends into advanced breeding topics, such as the development of disease-tolerant plants; (2) Nanotechnology could be the answer for the development of integrated management of pest and disease. Active agricultural ingredients can be entrapped or encapsulated into nanocarrier systems to improve their solubility, stability, enhance their efficient delivery to site-specific targets, with longer shelf life, and consequently improved efficacy; (3) Valuable nanomaterials can be isolated and generated from oil palm biomass waste. The utilization of oil palm biomass waste could overcome the issue of the massive production of waste in the oil palm industry and palm oil mills, where oil only accounts for 10% of the biomass, while 90% is comprised of the generated biowastes. (4) Palm oil can be utilized as a green alternative as a capping and stabilizing agent in the biosynthesis of metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles. In addition, nanoemulsion formulations using palm oil in drug delivery systems offer advantages such as low toxicity, enhance bioavailability and solubility of the drugs, apart from being inexpensive and environmentally friendly.