27 August 2024 : Daily Answer Writing
Q1) The 2023 Nobel Award in Chemistry was awarded for the discovery and synthesis of Quantum dots. How have the developments of quantum dots affected the various sectors over the years?
(250 Words/15 Marks)
ANS
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles (size around 2-10 nanometers) which exhibit size and composition-dependent optical and electronic (optoelectronic) properties. Quantum dots are the basis of nanotechnology. The development of QDs has affected various sectors in the following manner:
- Health and medicine:
- Low toxicity and biocompatibility of QDs enable its usage in efficient drug delivery systems.
- Quantum dots aid in early detection of diseases through bioimaging and biosensing. E.g., antibodies attached to carbon nanotubes can aid in detection of cancer cells.
- Gold nano-particles found ready use in elimination of disease-causing bacteria.
- Agriculture/food:
- Quantum dots can be utilized for live imaging in plant root systems to verify and correct physiological processes and stresses.
- CNT nano sponges increase efficiency of soaking up pesticides, fertilisers, etc., increasing productivity.
- Nano-encapsulation can enhance protection of plants against toxins and also ensure controlled/precision release of nutrients.
- Nano-particles can tackle malnutrition through food fortification.
- Electronics:
- Quantum dots are at the core of next-generation displays as it provides higher color contrast and lower power consumption. E.g., QD-LED.
- It can aid in development of energy-efficient, cheaper and faster chips and sensors.
- Nanoscale transistors with substantially increased storage capacity can aid in processing of big data for governance and economic purposes.
- Transport:
- Nanoscale and nano porous membranes are being used for the production of biomass fuel.
- It can aid in improving the efficiency of fuel production from raw petroleum materials.
- It can aid in reducing GHG emissions by enabling reduced fuel consumption in the vehicles.
- Utility services:
- Quantum dots find applications in water purification. E.g., graphene oxide QD-based adsorbent for waste-water treatment to remove heavy metals.
- It can improve the capacity and safety of lithium-ion batteries decisively, aiding in building efficient models for energy storage.
Despite several advantages of nanotechnology and quantum dots there are several challenges associated with their usage, such as:
- Health: Large-scale production of nanoparticles can lead to nano-waste (nano pollution) which may become a health challenge as these particles remain suspended in the air for a longer duration.
- In absence of effective regulation/monitoring it is hard to track the use pattern and effects of nanoparticles. E.g., products do not have labelling for nanoparticles.
- Supporting infrastructure for nanotechnology like reproducibility, intellectual rights protection,
quality control, characterization etc., are lacking.
- Research and development in the field of nano-technology is limited due to lack of human resource, infrastructure, funds etc.
- High cost associated with nanotechnology may create a nano-divide across society and businesses alike.
Following measures should be taken to promote nanotechnology in India:
- Increasing fund allocation for R&D in nanoscience; creating enabling ecosystem for private sector participation.
- Effective regulatory framework to manage potential risks associated with nanotechnology.
- Creating public awareness towards acceptance of nanotech and its products to facilitate scalability in a profitable way.
- International collaborations among nations, institutes through conferences, research projects, etc. to share best practices; relaxing IP norms for technology transfer.
Nanotechnology and quantum dots hold several benefits for the socio-economic growth of the country, and is one of the important pillars of 4th Industrial Revolution. Initiatives like Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) is a step in the right direction.
