As at: December 2006

Opportunities for environment and human health

Nanotechnology: Opportunities for the environment – protection of resources

The BMU feels its task lies in recognising and promoting the opportunities of nanotechnology or nanomaterials for environmental and resource protection. A number of promising approaches are emerging for energy and resource efficiency, e.g.:

• transparent nano-coatings with self-cleaning properties for solar cells to allow better energy exploitation, or thin-layer solar cells on which gas-containing silicon is deposited on economical base materials
  
  
• highly efficient thermal insulation materials based on nanotechnology hold great potential for the renovation of old buildings
  
  
• considerably more efficient batteries or accumulators and supraconducting nanotechnological materials which reduce power drains
  
  
• protection of resources through new feedstock/materials, e.g. thinner layers, lighter materials, fewer processing procedures, ceasing use of hazardous substances
  
  
• less costly and more effective fuel cells through nanotechnological improvements in membranes, catalysts and electrodes.
  
  

Further Information:

• Nanotechnology: Health and Environmental Risks of Nanoparticles (Research strategy, in German)