Answer:

Introduction

Nanoscience and nanotechnology involve the manipulation and application of materials at the nanoscale, typically 1 to 100 nanometers. This field enables advancements in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, creating transformative solutions in medicine, electronics, energy, and materials science due to unique nanoscale properties.

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Growth and development of nano science and technology in India

• Nanotechnology Initiatives: India initiated the Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) in 2001, followed by the launch of the Nano Mission in 2007 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to promote nanoscience and technology.
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): CSIR laboratories across India have been actively engaged in nano research, contributing to advancements in various sectors. Ex- The CSIR-hosted National Centre for Nanostructured Materials (NCNSM) focuses on the modelling, synthesis, characterisation and fabrication of new and novel nano-structured materials
• Research Institutes: Several dedicated institutes and research centers have been established across the country, like the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), etc.
• Industry Collaboration: Many Indian companies, like Tata Chemicals and Reliance Industries, have invested in nanotechnology research and development, working in close collaboration with research institutes.
• International Collaboration: Indian researchers frequently collaborate with international peers on nanotechnology projects. Notable partnerships include the Indo-US Joint Clean Energy Research and the Indo-EU functional materials research program.
• Patents and Publications: India ranks among the top nations for research publications in nanotechnology, reflecting its research prowess. Also, the number of patents filed in this domain has seen a steady increase over the years.
• Interdisciplinary Research: Nanotechnology research in India often merges with other disciplines like biotechnology, physics, and chemistry. This has led to developments in nanomedicine, nanomaterials, and nanoelectronics.
  

Nanotechnology can be leveraged by India to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 in the following ways

• Solar Energy: Nano-enhanced photovoltaic cells, like those being developed by IIT Bombay, can boost solar energy conversion efficiency. By using quantum dots, they aim to utilize a broader spectrum of sunlight, maximizing energy generation.
• Energy Storage: Nano-engineered batteries, such as those developed by Log 9 Materials, an Indian startup, can offer faster charging and longer lifespan. Their graphene-based batteries can revolutionize energy storage, a crucial aspect of renewable energy use.
• Carbon Capture: Indian researchers at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory have developed nano-enhanced solvents that can capture CO2 more efficiently, contributing significantly towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energy savings: Quantum dot LEDs, being developed by research groups in IISc Bangalore, offer superior energy efficiency and longer lifetimes compared to conventional lighting systems, contributing to overall energy savings.
• Cleaner Production: Nanotechnology can make industrial processes greener. For instance, nano- catalysts used in chemical reactions, like those being developed at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, can reduce energy consumption and waste production.
• Eco-friendly Nanomaterials: Nanotechnology can help create eco-friendly materials. For instance, nano-cellulose, a biodegradable nanomaterial being researched at various Indian universities, can reduce waste and environmental impact.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Nanoparticles can be used as sorbents to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions more effectively, reducing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Ex- Nanoparticles such as Au and metallic oxides.

Conclusion

Thus, by effectively leveraging nanotechnology, India has the potential to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and achieve its ambitious net-zero emissions goal by 2070, though potential environmental impacts of nanoparticle production and disposal must also be responsibly managed.

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