A whopping portfolio of 16 Nanotechnology products and processes were
unveiled at the event titled “Nanotechnology Portfolio Release”
organized to mark the fifty-second anniversary celebrations of the
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Releasing the portfolio, Director,
Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology (CoEN) at AIT, Prof. Joydeep
Dutta said this set of products and processes demonstrates potential
development of Thailand as a major hub of research in
Nanotechnology.
Unveiling the products developed at AIT, which range from hand-held
solar water purifiers to gas sensors as well as processes for
fingerprint identification to metal ion sensing in polluted water,
Prof. Dutta, who is also the Vice President for Academic Affairs at
AIT, stated that the portfolio release is a culmination of five years
of extensive research in the Center of Excellence which is a part of
the Nationwide centers promoted by National Nanotechnology Center
(NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
Four patents for these products have been applied, while another seven
other technologies have been demonstrated successfully. Others have
been completed, and are ready for patenting and market release.
Elaborating on the practice applications developed by CoEN, Prof.
Dutta stated that the Center has demonstrated the use of sunlight for
purifying water. "Most studies so far either work on the use of
ultraviolet light or involve a suspension of nanoparticles but the AIT
research group has dispensed with both.” The Nanoparticle-based water
purifier needs no electricity to operate and is a handheld device, he
added.
Another example is the fingerprint identification technology where
nanoparticles attach only to the ridges of the finger, and leave very
little residue. Nanoparticles applied on fingers enhance contrast,
making the process simpler and easier. The technique can also be used
on wet surfaces, unlike traditional fingerprinting.
The LPG gas based sensor seeks to minimize explosive gas-related
accidents and is a high density, low power device. Additional
innovations are self-cleaning surfaces which could be applied
immediately, dispensing with the need to clean building surfaces. This
can lead to savings spent in maintenance and repair of these
surfaces.
Another interesting product is the nanoparticle inkjet printer which
is suitable for regular laboratory use. Photocatalytic paper is a type
of paper that is reusable and has lower ink absorbency. This paper is
low cost and environmentally friendly. Nano solar cells are a product
which are low cost and represent an efficient and cost-effective energy
source.
“All these products and processes have been developed within five
years of establishment of CoEN,” Prof. Dutta said. AIT’s CoEN is one of
the eight centers of Excellence under Thailand National Nanotechnology
Center (NANOTEC). Prof. Dutta thanked National Science and Technology
Development Agency (NSTDA) and NANOTEC for collaborating with AIT’s
CoEN.