Designing and Integrating LCA Methods for Nanomanufacturing Scale-up

SNM-1120329; 2011-2014

Jacqueline Isaacs, Lead PI; A. Busnaina, C. Bosso, J. Mead, and J. Zimmerman, co-PIs.

This project supports the achievement of Goal 4 of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan 2010, which advocates the responsible development of nanotechnology ascentral to promoting scalable nanomanufacturing and product commercialization. The NNI calls for more effective use of life cycle analysis (LCA) in decision-making, which in turn demands greater consideration of the ethical, legal, and social impacts (ELSI) of nanomanufacturing as it scales to commercial production. As part of its mission to establish novel directed self-assembly processes and techniques for continuous and scalable nanomanufacturing, the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN EEC-0832785) is developing three CNT applications that will soon move to large-scale commercialization: electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, batteries, and chemical- and bio- sensors. This research leverages and builds on CHN’s efforts by developing knowledge about life cycle impacts of CNT products, as well as the role of LCA in decision-making. CHN industry partners support this effort to ensure direct application of research outcomes.

Selected Publications:

[1]  C. Bosso, J. Isaacs, and W. Walker, “Life Cycle Assessment in U.S. Regulatory Decision-Making,” 2012 IEEE Proceedings of the International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, Boston MA, CD-ROM, May 16-18, 2012; CD-ROM.

[2] Eckelman, M.J., Mauter, M.S., Isaacs, J.A., Elimelech, M., “New perspectives on nanomaterial aquatic ecotoxicity: Production impacts exceed direct exposure impacts for carbon nanotubes,” Env. Sci. Technol., 46: 2902-2910 (2012).

[3] J. Nash and C. Bosso, “Extended Producer Responsibility in the US: Full Speed Ahead?” Journal of Industrial Ecology, 4 FEB 2013 | DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2012.00572.x

[4] L. Dahlben^† and J. Isaacs. 2010. “Understanding carbon nanotube electronic products through their life cycle: A regulatory perspective,” 2010 IEEE Proceedings of the International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, Arlington VA, CD-ROM May 17-19.

[5] L. Dahlben and J. Isaacs. 2009. “Environmental Assessment of Manufacturing with CNTs” Ceramic Transactions, v 207, p 243-253, Environmental Issues and Waste Management Technologies in the Materials and Nuclear Industries XII – A Collection of Papers Presented at the 2008 Materials Science and Technology Conf., MS and T’08.

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