Nanotechnology: Answer to air pollution?

NEW DELHI: The emerging field of nanotechnology could provide a solution to the soaring air pollution caused by automobile emissions worldwide. Research shows that nano-treatment of engines can cut down toxic gas emissions by up to 90 per cent, says Prof J Narayan of North Carolina State University.

"Use of nanotechnology based systems increases the rate of pre-emission carbon trapping considerably, which is the main constituent of carbon dioxide," explains Narayan. "Thus, it causes cleaner emissions," he added.

Nanotechnology, a very important branch of applied science that deals with matters on atomic and molecular scale, “has a considerable role to play in improvement of energy efficiency,” Director of Ansal Institute of Technology M P Singh said.

"Environmental degradation due to automobile emissions is a big issue today. Using nanotechnology can help us to mitigate air pollution considerably," said Ravi V Bellamkonda of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Scientists are of the view that the single largest influence of air pollution is the amount of carbon dioxide and motor vehicles worldwide are a major contributor to the gas in the atmosphere. "Nano formulation can augment fuel efficiency by up to 35 per cent as it reduces per capita consumption. That means we have to use smaller amount of materials," Narayan said.

Over a hundred scientists gathered to exchange their ideas and experiences at an International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, organised by Ansal Institute of Technology, recently in Gurgaon.