Nano Applications

NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Nanotechnology can be incorporated in various automobile parts such as paint,batteries, fuel cells,tires,mirrors, and windows. The introduction of nanotechnologies enhances the performance of existing technologies for the automobile industry.

NANOPARTICLE IN PAINT:

Nano titanium dioxide is used in paint to exploit two of its excellent properties: 

1) Photocatalytic activity and

2) UV-protection

The combination of the photocatalytic effect, along with hydrophilic properties results in a paints' self cleaning effect.

NANO FOR BATTERY:

The main drivers for research in battery technology are to find materials suitahble for use as electrodes with high surface area as possible. This allows charge to flow more freely, resulting in higher capacity and shorter charge/discharge cycles.

NANO IN FUEL CELLS:

Fuel cells contain membranes that allow hydrogen ions to pass through the cell but do not allow other atoms or ions,such as oxygen,to pass through. Companies are using nanotechnology to create more efficient membranes, this will allow them to build lighter weight and longer lasting fuel cells.

NANOPARTICLE IN TIRES:

PureNano silica carbide nanoparticles are used for tire manufacturing to further extend tire life.

NANOPARTICLE IN GLASS WINDOWS:

Argonne has patented a new process for synthesizing vanadium dioxide nanoparticles that makes manufacturing energy-efficient smart windows economical.

NANOPARTICLE IN MIRROR:

Nanoparticle on mirror constructs could help make colour-changing displays. Gold nanoparticles are used for this application.