Leveraging engineered nanomaterials to support material circularity

Abstract

Materials are central to a circular economy. They enter one of two cycles, the biological (where materials serve a purpose and then degrade as nutrients for renewing natural resources) or the technical (where materials perpetuate in products, serving a single or multiple functions with each subsequent use). Given the ubiquity of engineered nanomaterials in products supporting nearly every facet of society, it is critical to consider how they integrate in these circular resource flows. In this perspective, we present an historical overview of the emergence and advancements of engineered nanomaterials as well as provide context for identifying tractable avenues for them to advance the circular materials economy. We highlight the opportunity for engineered nanomaterials to improve the performance and extend the life of bulk composite materials. We outline a specific example of nano-enabled concrete to demonstrate the opportunity and elucidate the importance of low additive amounts, high functional gain, and low additional embodied energy of the nanomaterial used. Finally, we offer perspective on future opportunities for ongoing research in our field to support successful realization of a global circular materials economy.