Multifunctional graphene mats for sensor and catalyst applications

Carbon-supported catalysts are widely used in many applications. For example, platinum nanoparticles supported on bulk carbon frameworks are used as fuel cell electrodes. The obvious challenge is to have a large area of carbon surface so that the catalyst particles can be dispersed without any aggregation. Graphene with its 2D nanostructure provides a large surface area (theoretically, the surface area of graphene is about 2600 square meters per gram) to anchor catalyst particles. Scientists have now succeeded in dispersing two different types of nanoparticles - silver and titanium dioxide - on a reduced graphene oxide at different sites without any aggregation.

Redefining risk research priorities for nanomaterials

In a nanotechnology risk assessment study published last year, researchers concluded that the costs associated with nanomaterial risk assessment in the United States alone could range anywhere from $249 million to $1.18 billion and might take decades to complete at current levels of investment in nano-hazard testing. While research in quantitative risk characterization of nanomaterials is crucially important, and no one advocates abandoning this approach, scientists and policy makers must face the reality that many of these knowledge gaps cannot be expected to be closed for many years to come - and decision making will need to continue under conditions of uncertainty. At the same time, current chemical-based research efforts are mainly directed at establishing toxicological and ecotoxicological and exposure data for nanomaterials, with comparatively little research undertaken on the tools or approaches that may facilitate near-term decisions. A group of scientists suggests that this situation requires a significant research program in a fundamental area of timely, yet informed decision making regarding the potential risks of nanomaterials. They highlight some of these issues as well as outline some of the currently available tools and approaches for decision making regarding the potential risks of nanomaterials.

Thermogeneratoren die auf Nanomaterialien beruhen

Die Wissenschaftler des Nano-Netzwerks CeNIDE der Uni Duisburg-Essen verfuegen ueber einen entscheidenden Vorteil: eine Technologie, mit der sich Nanomaterialien in grossem Massstab herstellen lassen. Solche Anlagen sind weltweit noch sehr selten - allerdings bilden sie die Voraussetzung dafuer, dass Thermogeneratoren, die auf Nanomaterialien basieren, ueberhaupt zur Serienreife gebracht werden koennen.