W
e are happy to guest edit a series of review articles that focus on the important role of Nanotechnology in transforming the chemical and related industries in Canada and the rest of the world. In 2001, Norman Poire of Merrill Lynch predicted that nanotechnology could be the next technology wave (after railroad, automotive and information technology) that will drive innovation in a broad range of industrial sectors. We believe a series of review articles that focus on the applications of nanotechnology in selected industrial sectors will be useful and informative.
Nanomaterials have unique physicochemical properties, such as large surface area to mass ratio and high reactivity, which are different from bulk materials of the same composition. These unique physical properties allow nanomaterials to interact with each other and with other matters at the molecular scale with a high degree of specificity. Market forecasts on the gross sales using nanotechnology-enabled products will reach over $100 billion in US dollars by 2015. Major categories of nanomaterials that are used commercially include metals, metal oxides, ceramics, natural and synthetic polymers. From a Canadian perspective, we have identified industrial sectors, such as agriculture, food, materials, forest products, and biomedical as disciplines where nanotechnology can add value and generate new knowledge and intellectual property.
On a broader front, the federal and provincial governments in Canada have invested in the establishment of research infrastructure to support research in nanotechnology, e.g. the Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon. The establishment of the National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) are examples of the commitment of various stake holders in the potential of nanotechnology for the future of the nation. Various provincial governments have established coordinating bodies, such as NanoQuebec, NanoAlberta, NanoOntario, and NanoBC to chart and facilitate research in nanotechnology.
It is our hope that this series of review articles on nanotechnology will generate interest and discussion among chemical engineers and chemists. We are hopeful that the Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering will provide the necessary platform for future discussion on this important topic, and that such engagement will result in greater awareness on the potential of nanotechnology to the Canadian economy.