ADELPHI, Md. – Army scientists are joining forces with experts across the country to combat the climate crisis using the power of nanotechnology.

As part of the Nano4EARTH initiative, a national challenge launched by the White House and the National Nanotechnology Initiativeresearchers study how nanoscale innovations can lead to revolutionary solutions for a more sustainable future.

Climate change poses a significant threat to national security, according to the report released by the military. Climate strategy. The military has committed to ambitious goals to mitigate its own impact, including a 50 percent reduction in net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Nanotechnology is considered an essential tool to achieve these ambitious goals.

In a recent article in the journal Nature Nanotechnologyco-author Dr Mark Griep, researcher at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratorysaid nano-enabled climate solutions are already transitioning to an industrial scale, which will help reduce the “green premium” that may be a factor limiting widespread public adoption.

“The climate crisis demands bold, innovative solutions, and nanotechnology offers a unique opportunity to make the kind of incremental changes needed to mitigate its effects,” Griep said. “By working collaboratively across sectors, we can harness the power of nanotechnology to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the military and the nation.” »

According to Griep, metal organic frameworks, known as MOFs, are being expanded into greenhouse gas capture applications and are expected to exceed the Department of Energy’s EarthShot carbon capture costs of less than 100 dollars per ton and become a profitable technology.

Griep said he believes the Army can design MOFs with catalytic functions for CO2-to-fuel opportunities.

“This would enable nanoscale solutions that would not only help decarbonize the Army fleet, but simultaneously enable operational advantage through new fuel sources,” he said.

The Nano4EARTH initiative has identified four strategic areas where nanotechnology research aims to address the challenges of climate change, according to program documents.

The program focuses on batteries and energy storage, where researchers study nanomaterials for potential applications in electric vehicle batteries and grid storage systems. According to the Army’s climate strategy, such advances in energy storage technology could support the transportation sector’s electrification goals.

The second focus area examines nanocatalysts for industrial processes. Laboratory studies have shown that these materials can potentially improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes, including those used in the production of steel, cement and plastics. Researchers are also investigating methods to convert captured greenhouse gases into other products.

Research on interfaces represents the third strategic axis. Scientists are investigating how nanotechnology could improve the energy efficiency of coatings, lubricants and membranes. Current research includes work on thermal interface materials for electronics and membrane systems for industrial separations.

The fourth area focuses on greenhouse gas capture and storage technologies. Research teams are studying MOFs, nanoporous materials designed to absorb CO2. Additional studies are examining nanomaterials for carbon sequestration in terrestrial and marine environments.

The initiative emphasizes modifications to existing technologies rather than the development of entirely new systems. This approach aligns with the Army’s stated goals for implementing climate change mitigation strategies, as outlined in the Climate Strategy Document.

The lab’s participation in Nano4EARTH underscores the Army’s commitment to combating climate change, Griep said, not only through operational adaptations but also through cutting-edge scientific research.

By harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials, researchers aim to develop solutions that can transform industries, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ultimately mitigate the risks posed by climate change, he said .

“The Army is uniquely positioned to be a leader in innovating climate change solutions because advanced technologies to achieve climate goals go hand in hand with increased combat effectiveness,” said Griep. “Nanotechnology-enabled advances in energy storage, water purification, and advanced structural materials will be a game-changer in the civilian world, but will play an even more critical role in ensuring operational resilience and capabilities of the military in future combat environments.

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U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratoryknown as DEVCOM ARL, is the Army’s research laboratory. Nestled strategically within DEVCOM and Army Futures Command, ARL’s mission is to operationalize science. ARL identifies and executes breakthrough research leading to scientific discoveries and emerging projects.