2nd May 2007

A report by Meredith Fisk for the Coffee House Discussion team.

Photo: Chris Brain and Dave Cockcroft at Star Anise

On Friday 27th April - the Green party-sponsored Coffee House Discussion at Star Anise Cafe in Stroud was on the perils and possibilities of Nanotechnology.

 Photo: Meredith Fisk

Nanotechnology is engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. “The role of the infinitely small is infinitely large” a quote by Louis Pasteur, is very apt to describe this month’s coffee house discussion on nanotechnology. There was a lively debate about the potential risks of nanotechnology and the huge concerns that no research is being done into these. However there was also discussion about the potential for third generation nanotechnology solar panels and how they could be a significant help in the fight to tackle climate change. Many present concluded there was an urgent need for better regulation, research into risks and more open discussion about this new technology. 

The evening started with Chris Brain who explained the basic idea of nanotechnology.  He explained the Quantum Effect, how when materials are below 100nanometre (a nanometre is equal to one-billionth of a metre, an atom is 0.2 nanometre) their properties change due to the change in surface area relative to mass. It was explained how utilising these properties of nano materials is the Top Down approach to nanotechnology.  The other approach is the Bottom Up, which is using tools and technologies that are at the nanoscale.  This could lead to mass, quick, cheap production of almost anything.  Both these approaches mean nanotechnology has the “potential to revolutionise everything we do.” 

We were told how over 200 to 700 different products currently contain nanotechnologies (all from the Top Down approach), none of which have to declare that they contain them. There is no legislation regarding nanotechnology and very little idea of any dangers that nanotechnology could pose. Government in the USA and UK are now beginning to look at legislation. No research has been done on the dangers, even though large sums of public money money is being invested.  Some of these concerns are being described in similar ways to GM.

Dave Cockcroft then spoke about the potential for nanotechnology to create a “much more viable renewable energy device”.  He explained how there was enough space for solar energy (roofs etc) but the cost to cover these areas would be huge.  Both in money and the energy needed to produce the solar panels.  The energy payback time is 5-10 years in good light conditions and large amounts of fossil fuels would have to be used. However nanotechnology could lead to third generation solar panels. These are at the moment suggesting costs could be reduced by a factor of a 100 with an energy payback of just 1 month. 

Currently NanoSolar are funding factories in several countries creating the largest solar panel production in the world.  Nanotechnology could also be used in the storage and transmission of the energy created by these new solar panels.  Dave put forward the need to distinguish between “good” and “bad” nanotechnologies. Suntan cream and reducing smell in socks are dubious benefits when we don't yet know the risks.

Dave pointed out how nanotechnology could help huge numbers with renewable energies but it could also have the potential to destroy economies - economies currently based on raw materials, such as rubber, could find raw materials replaced by new nano materials. 

Chris Brains notes are available here.

The talk was then followed by lots of questions and comments, while all enjoyed cakes and coffee from the Star Anise café. 

The next topic is “Does the Media Enslave of Liberate Us?” on the 25th May. More info here about that discussion and previous topics.