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Materials Science and Technology Challenges for the Chemical Sciences in the 21st Century (2003) / Chapter Skim
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4. Challenges
Pages 37-43

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From page 37...
... MAJOR RESEARCH CHALLENGES Fundamental chemical science research efforts can be linked to several areas that can immediately be seen to impact each individual, namely, water, energy, food, and air. Coupled to these necessities, development of chemistry to address environmental concerns is a significant grand challenge.
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From page 38...
... Chemistry is unquestionably critical to the development of photovoltaics and hydrogen-based fuel cells. In the area of nuclear energy, it is also chemistry that must lead in the design of new processes for improved handling of nuclear wastes.
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From page 39...
... A major research challenge in materials chemistry is to create new materials utilizing the insights obtained by studying biological structures. Could cells and biomolecules be functionally integrated into materials?
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From page 40...
... Developing a tool for high-resolution, three-dimensional element-specific mapping that is nondestructive and provides real-time information on both crystalline and noncrystalline materials on multiple length scales would be a worthwhile research challenge. In the area of analysis, diagnostic tools that allow for in situ process control are critical for future materials manufacturing.
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From page 41...
... Much of the ongoing biomaterials research is aimed at restoration and enhancement of the function of living materials. Such efforts encompass not only work aimed at restoring lost organ function and expression of the human genome but also the development of miniaturized, multifunctional biosensors and human-computer interfaces.
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From page 42...
... New materials technologies are also needed to enable affordable clean energy, such as energy storage media, and materials to enable the use of alternative energy sources. Finding: Major research challenges for the chemical sciences include the design of tailor-made materials with defined performance attributes, such as synthetic materials systems that can carry information at high density, utilizing the insights obtained by studying biological structure to design and make new materials.
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Key Terms

  • length scales
  • materials properties
  • molecular level
  • materials technologies
  • materials design

  • ultimately allow
  • multiple length
  • energy sources
  • studying biological
  • carry information

  • facilitate materials
  • fundamental chemical
  • technology application
  • rational design
  • complete control

  • environmental concerns
  • materials chemistry
  • truly rational
  • energy storage
  • properties change

  • greatly advance
  • synthetic materials
  • process control
  • biologically compatible
  • alternative energy

  • research challenge
  • interconnection issues
  • research challenges
  • defined functionality
  • monomeric building


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