Environmental implications of nano-manufacturing

Abstract

Green manufacturing for nanotechnologies must be considered, while it is most impactful to do so, during early development and early application stage. There are still a lot of challenges in applying conventional green theories and methodologies to nano-manufacturing technologies, particularly for their overall sustainability assessment and improvement. This chapter provides a basic overview of potential environmental impacts associated with nanotechnology and its manufacturing processes. The fundamental knowledge and scientific methods useful in understanding the environmental impacts of nanotechnology from a holistic view are discussed. A few examples on environmental studies of nano-manufacturing technologies are provided as well. A systematic view of the potential environmental impacts of nano-manufacturing will be helpful for guiding future research in this subject.