Our definitive guide to nanotechnology in the automotive industry from fuel additives to coatings, interiors to tires.
Automotive companies are using nanotechnology and nanomaterials to improve the performance of automobiles and to meet both consumer needs and regulatory requirements.
Nanomaterials are leading to enhancements in the structural, electrical, thermal, optical, magnetic and catalytic capabilities of technologies developed for the automotive industry and offer high performance, but environmentally friendly, alternatives to toxic and/or expensive materials.
Exploitation of nanomaterials covers an entire spectrum of applications from polishes, glass treatments and colour changing paint, nano-filled polymers and resins, and nanostructured ceramics and coatings, offering higher performance and/or additional functionality such as wear and erosion resistance, light-weighting, reduced friction, toughening, UV resistance, corrosion control and aesthetic enhancement, to batteries for electric vehicles and advanced electronics and sensors.
Nanomaterials utilized in automotive technologies help to reduce vehicle weight, improve the engine performance, improve fuel economy, improve the exhaust emission control, enhance active and passive safety, reduce the vehicle vibration and enhance active and passive driver safety, increase vehicle control and road handling capabilities, increase vehicle security, and enhance driver comfort.
Fuel additives
Metal oxide nanomaterials have been added to fuel additives due to their increased catalytic activity. Adding cerium oxide nanoparticles to fuel reduces pressure within the engine cylinder and hence reduces the NOx emissions and prolongs combustion, which leads to a reduction in unburnt hydrocarbons (by up to 15%) and a decrease in fuel consumption of 5-9%. It also decreases the emission of combustion derived nanoparticles.
Batteries
Nanomaterials innovations are driving advances in battery technology. Developments in low cost and scalable nanomaterials synthesis and manufacturing methods have resulted in mass-scale production of of electrode materials that can meet the production volumes required for automotive applications. Several automotive companies such as Chrysler, GM, and Mercedes-Benz have introduced nano-enabled lithium-ion batteries into their next generation electric and hybrid vehicles.
Paints and coatings
Metal oxide nanopowders find widespread application in the automotive industry as paint additives, allowing for new coloration effects and greater hardness and durability. Coatings of different materials containing nanoscale carbides, nitrides, metals or ceramics play a key role in the performance of internal mechanical components of a vehicle, such as the engine. Nanocoatings are also being applied to windscreens, rear-view mirrors, headlights, dashboards and as conductive and thermal barrier engine coatings.
Tires
Nanomaterials under development to impart new properties to tires for increased performance include Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS); Nano Oxides (Silica, Alumina); Carbon Nano Fibers (CNF); Carbon Nano Tubes (SWNT & MWNT); Lamellar Nanomaterials e.g. Montmorillonite Clay (MMT); and Graphene (delaminated Graphite). Desirable properties these materials offer include higher durability, reduced weight and reduced rolling resistance.
Questions & Answers
Q
Who are the automotive OEMs with activities in nanotechnology?
A
There are almost too many to mention. Companies with either nanotech incorporated into their cars or with ongoing R&D include Ford, General Motor Cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls Royce.
Q
What are the prospects for nanotechnology in electric vehicles?
A
Nanostructured materials are allowing companies to develop the next generation of clean energy storage devices with high power density, high energy density and high safety for application in sectors such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and pure electric vehicles (PEV). Automotive companies such as Chrysler utilize nanomaterials in their electric vehicles to improve battery capacity, cycle life, and charge-discharge rates. Mercedes-Benz has introduced Lithium-ion batteries in S-class hybrid. Their Li-ion battery packs are being developed in partnership with Johnson Controls-SAFT. GM also uses nano enabled Lithium-ion batteries.
