Nanotechnology and the Environment

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MAY 2010 | VOLUME 13 | NUMBER 5 55

Solar cell device physics

Stephen Fonash

Elsevier • 2010 • 381 ppISBN: 978-0-12-374774-7£72.99 / �85.95 / $120

Dr. Stephen Fonash’s definitive text points

the way toward greater efficiency and

cheaper production by adding coverage of

cutting-edge topics in plasmonics, multi-

exiton generation processes, nanostructures

and nanomaterials such as quantum dots.

Cold atoms in optical lattices

Dieter Jaksch and Stephen A. Clark

Springer • 2010 • 300 ppISBN: 978-90-481-8688-4£99.95 / �114.00 / $155.00

This book will describe recent theoretical

advances of cold atom physics in optical

lattices, concentrating on strongly correlated

systems and possible applications in quantum

information processing. Furthermore, the

latest experiments aiming towards realizing

these theoretical ideas will be discussed.

Structure and functional properties of colloidal systems

Roque Hidalgo-Alvarez (editor)RSC Press • 2009 • 518 ppISBN: 978-1-4200-8446-7£121.00 / �140.00 / $186.50

This book clearly presents the connections

between structure and functional aspects in

colloid and interface science. It explores the

physical fundamentals of colloid science, new

developments of synthesis and conditioning,

and many possible applications.

Analytical modelling of fuel cells

Andrei Kulikovsky

Elsevier • 2010 • 324 ppISBN: 978-0-444-53560-3£98.00 / �115.00 / $151.00

This relatively new discipline aims to

understand the basic transport and

kinetic phenomena in a real cell and stack

environment, paving the way for improved

design and performance. The author brings

his unique approach to the analytical

modeling of fuel cells to this essential

reference for energy technologists.

Nanotechnology and the Environment

The rapid evolution of nanoscience and nanotechnology

during the past two decades has demonstrated

that nanotechnology holds the keys to many of the

technological advancements of the 21st century in

different sectors (pharmaceutical, electronic, energy,

textile, coatings and paintings) which relies, at least in part,

on having novel materials with unique properties derived

from their small size. For energy sector,

i.e., nanomaterials technology intervenes

at a number of stages of the energy

flow that starts from the primary energy

sources and finishes at the end user. There

are just a few examples that prove that

the limitation in non-renewable energy

sources (oil, gas, coal and nuclear) can be

solved by technological developments

aimed at increasing efficiency and

reducing emissions of renewable energy

sources. These solutions in both energy

and other sectors in general, require

overcoming a number of technology

limitations, for which nanotechnology

brings a unique opportunity.

Nanotechnology is a field of applied

science concerned with the study and control of

materials and phenomena at length scales between

1 nm to 100 nm. Consequently, nanomaterials

have unique properties arising from their nanoscale

dimensions but the effect of using these new materials

on the health and environmental is still unknown.

Governmental agencies and research organizations are

continuously working on the development of analyses

and methods to evaluate the risks of manufacturing

and using nanomaterials for both health and the

general environment. Research into potential risks is

beginning to produce results but we are still far from

an understanding of the environmental implications of

the nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology and the Environment, intends to

present a comprehensive overview of the up-to-

date progress with regard to different aspects of

nanomaterials research and development that are

closely related to their manufacture, properties,

storage, transport, usage and release to the

environment, identifying the critical areas undergoing

further research. The goal of this book is to analyze the

impact of each aspect of nanomaterials on the human

body and the environment discussing tools to evaluate

the balance between potential risks and rewards.

This book does not cover in detail all the specific

implications from nanomaterials to biological and

environmental systems, but it is an excellent starting

point for the future development of

this field. In a broader sense, it collects

the effect on the environment for six

engineered nanomaterials: titanium

dioxide, silver, zero-valent iron, carbon

black, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes.

Written in a clear and lively language,

it comprises over 300 pages and is

divided into 11 chapters. The opening

chapter introduces the reader to the

scope of the book. Kathleen Sellers

summarizes in this chapter the current

state of the nanotechnology and society

highlighting the need of a serious

analysis of potential risks and benefits

of nanomaterials use by the point of view of both the

scientists and also the society. The following chapters deal

with the properties, uses and manufacturing as well as

transport and fate of nanomaterials. Chapter four to nine

provide information on possible risks to human health

and environment and the development of regulations to

manage those risks. The paradox of using nanomaterials to

remediate environmental pollution is discussed on chapter

ten. The book finishes with a chapter on the frameworks

for evaluating the balance between risk and reward of

nanomaterials. It provides the right balance between

scientific rigor and simplicity and general interests for a

broad audience highlighting the key role of science and

technology on solving global problems, and the social

responsibility that we all share. Consequently, it is an

excellent reference guide.

This book intends to present a comprehensive overview of recent progress with regard to different aspects of nanomaterials research and development that are closely related to their manufacture process, through to their release to the environment, identifying the critical areas undergoing further research.Elena Serrano | elena.serrano@ua.es

Kathleen Sellers, et al.

Nanotechnology and the Environment

CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group • 2008 • 296pp

ISBN: 978-1-4200-6019-5

£66.99

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