Nanotechnology in Modern Life

Glossary

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by reducing the activation energy, but which is left unchanged by the reaction. A catalyst works by providing a convenient surface for the reaction to occur. The reacting particles gather on the catalyst surface and 1) collide more frequently with each other, 2) more of the collisions result in a reaction between particles because the catalyst can lower the activation energy for the reaction.

Transport

Nanotechnology is leading to safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting vehicles. This will have many benefits; not least for consumers and the environment.

Nanotechnology can now make cars scratch-resistant through thin-films, or provide better visibility with nanocoatings for glass, or improved impact resistance through the inclusion of nanocomposites in body panels.

Vehicle efficiency can be increased using alternative energy supplies such as fuel cells, thermoelectric generators etc. Vehicle emissions can be cut through the inclusion of additives in fuel, and nanostructured catalysts.

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