'Nano technology useful in energy conservation, communication'

Speaking after inaugurating the two-day UGC sponsored State-level seminar on “Nano materials and applications” at Bhandarkar’s Arts and Science College here on Monday, he said that Nanotechnology can help reproduce or repair damaged tissue. Chemical catalysis and filtration techniques are two prominent examples where nanotechnology already plays a major role, he added.

Briefing on the enormous benefits of nano technology in the energy field, he said that energy consumption can be reduced by better insulation systems, by the use of more efficient lighting or combustion systems, and by use of lighter and stronger materials in the transportation sector. Nanotechnology could help increase the efficiency of light conversion by using nanostructures with a continuum of bandgaps.  An example for an environmentally friendly form of energy is the use of fuel cells powered by hydrogen catalyst. The use of batteries with higher energy content or the use of rechargable batteries or super capacitors with higher rate of recharging using nano materials could be helpful for the battery disposal problem. Current high-technology production processes are based on traditional top down strategies, where nanotechnology has already been introduced silently, he informed.  In the modern communication technology traditional analog electrical devices are increasingly replaced by optical or optoelectronic devices due to their enormous bandwidth and capacity, respectively. Lighter and stronger materials will be of immense use to aircraft manufacturers, leading to increased performance. Consumer goods will become “smart”, through embedded “wearable electronics”. Already in use are different nano particle improved products. Especially in the field of cosmetics, such novel products have a promising potential, Dr Pattabhi added.

Administrative Officer of Academy of General Education at Manipal Dr H Shantharam, APTMU President Prof Ramesh Bhat, Principal Prof Chandrasekhar Doma and others were present.

DH News Service