NANOTECHNOLOGY IN

NANO

AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
KEYNOTE ADDRESS

A P P
SUMMIT

2005

Driving Nanotechnology in the Automotive Industry

John M. Ginder Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan

n this keynote presentation. Dr. Ginder defined nanotechnology

as, "Working at the atomic, molecular, and supramolecular levels, in c::!- br) the length scale of approximately 1 100 nm, in order to create materials, devices, and systems with fundamentally new properties and functions because of their small structure."

Specific opportunities for nanotech in the automobile include energy storage and generation, thermal management, exhaust aftertreatment, body structures, surface control, and more. Electrical energy storage, and generation: fuel cells, batteries, and ultracapacitors may be enabled by high surface area electrodes. Catalysts may have reduced platinum loading through novel supports. In 2003, Dr. Haren Gandhi of Ford won the National Medal of Technology for work in nanotechnology related to automotive exhaust catalysts. This was the first time ever that an auto industry researcher has been awarded the Medal. Past winners include Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, Jack Kilby, and Gordon Moore. Hydrogen storage will be enabled by nanostructures such as carbon and boron nitride nanotubes and complex metal hydrides. Nanostructured magnets are predicted to have about twice the saturation magnetization of conventional magnets. Solar energy may be derived from solar cell

"paints" containing nanoparticles. A wet chemical route is under development to build cheap solar cells. As a nanotech example, he referred to nanostructure design and control in aluminum alloys. The strength and ductility of aluminum alloys are controlled by nanoscale particles in the aluminum summaries of matrix. Control of the size and composition of the several o(ftie nanoscale particles allows for the development jptesentations in of new and improved alloys. Dr. Ginder concluded by pointing out that nano- I the Automotive Technical technology has already affected the automotive Program. industry in several key areas, and it has tremendous potential to enhance many aspects of automotive technology. Its impact will grow slowly and largely unpredictably. The auto industry is a challenging one in which to introduce new technology. Realization of the full potential of nanotech will require leadership and cooperation by OEMs, suppliers, and government. It will require irmovation in capabilities, applications, and funding/collaboration mechanisms. For more information: John M. Ginder, Physical & Environmental Sciences Department, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company Dearborn, MI 48121-4053; tel: 313/3902292; e-mail: jginder@ford.com; Web site: www. ford.com.

Nanotech activities at several automakers

Toyota General Motors Daimler Chrysler Honda Renault/Nissan Volkswagen Nanoclay-reinforced polymers for timing belt covers, lightweight structural composites Nanosteel, nanoaluminum Nanoreinforced polymers for structural apps ('02 Safari, Astro vans, '04 Impala) Thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery Scratch-resistant nanoparticle clearcoats (2004 MY E, S, CL, SL, and SLK) Nanopaints with enhanced functionality Carbon nanotubes for hydrogen storage Ceria nanoparticles for catalysis Electrically conductive body panels containing nanofibers (Clio, Megane) Nanotube front fender (Nissan X-Trail Nanomaterials for surface property control: partnership with Israeli startup ApNano

ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES/DECEMBER 2005

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