On July 6, 2023, Nano4EARTH will hold a roundtable discussion on nanotechnology-enabled coatings, lubricants, membranes, and other interface technologies that aims to identify fundamental knowledge gaps, needs, and opportunities at the interface of materials, technologies, and industrial processes. According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), “[t]hese needs could have a near-term impact on energy efficiency, sustainable development, and climate change.” The moderated discussion will cover all aspects of the topic — ranging from research and development (R&D) opportunities to commercialization challenges — by featuring a small group of experts from different sectors and backgrounds.

According to NNI, the roundtable is a critical part of the Nano4EARTH National Nanotechnology Challenge, which aims to leverage recent investments in understanding and controlling matter at the nanoscale to develop technologies and industries that address climate change. Nano4EARTH focuses on facilitating opportunities for members of the nanotechnology community to convene, collaborate, and share resources. Nano4EARTH also strives to provide mechanisms that support technology development and commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled climate solutions.

NNI notes that the topic of this roundtable was identified at the Nano4EARTH kick-off workshop (summary readout and video archive) “as a particularly promising area that could have an impact in a short time frame (four years or less).” This roundtable is the first of four.