China Aims High and Dreams Big in Nanotechnology

According to a report released at the 7^th International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology, China has become a powerhouse for nanotechnology.

In this report it was stated that China’s research and industrialization of nanotechnology have been developing at a rapid pace. This has been made possible by a big number of nano-related patent applications that enjoy a leading spot in the international rankings.

According to Mr. Bai Chunli, the president of Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), China will open doors to better opportunities by establishing the National Center for Nanoscience Technology and other centers for science, all across the globe.

He further added that they plan to strengthen the strategic landscape along with a top to bottom hierarchy for the development of nanoscience. This will contribute to the economic and social well-being of the country.

According to the report, in the year 1997 13000 papers on nanotechnology were published. However, that number grew to 154,000 by the year 2016.

Since the year 2007, China’s most cited nanoscience papers grew by 22%. This percentage is 3 times the global rate when it comes to the growth of papers on nanoscience.

When it comes to the amount of nano-related patent applications, China possesses 45% of the world total by reaching a total of 209, 334 is the last two decades.

According to Liu Minghua, the director of National Center for Nanoscience Technology, scientists are beginning to take keen interest in the research of nanotechnology. This has been made possible due to heavy funding in the field of nanotechnology. Viewing the current environment that is favorable for the research of nanomaterials, a number of Chinese scientists have returned home to play their part.

Two of the fields which have made remarkable advancements in China are Energy Nanotechnology and Catalytic Nanomaterials.

Liu further added that energy nanotechnology is a promising area as it intrigues the scientists, and encourages them to conduct researches on batteries, energy conversion and storage.

As far as catalytic nanomaterials are concerned, they are considered to be the most promising area of nanoscience in China. Nanostructure based catalysts apart from quickening the chemical reactions also prove beneficial in chemical industries and other areas like oil refining.

Bai has said that a fruitful yet challenging era awaits china. He also said that China is about to embark on a journey of tremendous achievements in nanoscience research and a time will come when the gap between application and researched will eventually be bridged.

The CAS plans to bring forward young and talented individuals, who are willing to accelerate the research process and build favorable international connections, thus strengthening China’s position in the field of nanoscience.