What are the best practices for using nanomaterials to reduce carbon emissions in transportation?

2 How to choose nanomaterials?

The choice of nanomaterials depends on the specific application, the desired properties, the availability, the cost, and the environmental impact. Some of the most common nanomaterials used in transportation are carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanoclays, metal oxides, and quantum dots. Each of these nanomaterials has different characteristics and functionalities that can be tailored to meet the requirements of different transportation modes and components. For example, carbon nanotubes and graphene are excellent conductors of heat and electricity, nanoclays and metal oxides can improve mechanical and thermal properties, and quantum dots can emit light and generate electricity.

3 How to handle nanomaterials?

Nanomaterials can pose potential hazards to workers, consumers, and the environment if they are not handled properly. Therefore, it is essential to follow some safety guidelines and precautions when handling nanomaterials, such as wearing personal protective equipment, using appropriate ventilation and filtration systems, storing and disposing of nanomaterials safely, and conducting regular risk assessments and audits. Moreover, it is advisable to follow some standards and regulations that have been developed by various organizations and authorities, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the European Commission, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to ensure the safe and responsible use of nanomaterials.

4 How to evaluate nanomaterials?

Nanomaterials can have different impacts on the environment and the society depending on their life cycle stages, such as production, use, and disposal. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of nanomaterials using some tools and methods that can measure and compare their environmental, social, and economic aspects. Some of these tools and methods are life cycle assessment (LCA), which quantifies the environmental impacts of nanomaterials from cradle to grave, social life cycle assessment (S-LCA), which assesses the social impacts of nanomaterials on stakeholders, and life cycle costing (LCC), which calculates the costs of nanomaterials over their life span.

5 How to communicate nanomaterials?

Nanomaterials can be a source of innovation and opportunity, but also of uncertainty and controversy, for various stakeholders, such as researchers, manufacturers, consumers, policymakers, and the public. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate the benefits and risks of nanomaterials effectively and transparently, using some strategies and channels that can inform, educate, and engage the target audiences. Some of these strategies and channels are developing clear and consistent messages, using visual and interactive media, creating dialogues and networks, and providing reliable and accessible information.