Scaling Down for a Bright Future

A Landscape of Nanoscience and Technology Development

SCALING DOWN FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE

Produced by Springer Nature and supported by National Center for Nanoscience and Technology [ Foreword ]

Scaling down for a bright future: A landscape THE HUGE REALM OF of nanoscience and technology development, a report produced by Springer Nature, and supported by National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, provides a comprehensive picture of THE NANOSCOPIC global nanoscience development in recent years. It combines big data analysis and infographics with expert opinions and interpretations from ood things come in small membranes for water purification. will conduct a cross-country the perspectives of high-quality research papers, packages. Nowhere is Nanotechnology has quietly become comparison of nanotechnology patents, key disciplines, technologies and G this adage more true than part of our daily lives, in ways few research competitiveness including sustainable development. in the fields of nanoscience and ever consider – as components China, the United States, the United Based on bibliometric and citation analysis, this nanotechnology. With features a in sunscreens, wrinkle-resistant Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, report incorporates the insights of global peers at billionth of a metre, smaller than the clothes, and even golf clubs. Indeed, Germany, France and Australia. the forefront of nanoscience research. As the report width of a human hair, the science the global nanotechnology market In Section 4, we use Springer reveals, nanoscience and technology is developing and technology of the small has had is predicted to exceed USD 125 Nature’s Nano database, a rapidly around the world, making a huge difference. a big impact on fields as diverse as billion by 20241. comprehensive collection of It is leading the way for physics, chemistry, materials medicine and quantum computing. Meanwhile, nanoscience nanomaterial data, patents, and life sciences among other basic research fields. The word ‘nanotechnology’ is rapidly developing as an and literature references, to With ever-expanding applications, nanoscience is was first used by Norio Taniguchi interdisciplinary field, with growing probe popular nanostructures becoming an increasingly stronger pillar of industrial in 1974. The concepts behind research output, encouraged by and emerging applications. technologies. it, however, can be traced back strong governmental support. For We will supplement the Chunli Bai Just like other endeavors, nanotechnology, in even further. Richard Feynman instance, the United States launched analysis with interviews from President of the bringing rapid development, is also likely to raise new described a field that focuses on its National Nanotechnology Chinese and international Chinese Academy of Sciences problems of environment, health and safety. These manipulating and controlling Initiative as early as 2001, which experts in nanosynthesis, uncertainties and potential risks must be observed things on a small scale in his often has received continued investment nanocharacterization, and investigated. However, nanotechnology cited 1959 lecture, ‘There’s plenty totalling almost USD 27 billion since nanomedicine and development differs in that it pays close attention of room at the bottom.’ Farther its inception2. Similarly, China nanodiagnostics, energy to potentially negative consequences from the very back, medieval artisans relied on also recognized the importance applications of nanomaterials, beginning rather than rely on ‘develop first, clean up nanoscale materials to decorate of developing nanoscience and nanotechnology and the SMALL STEPS TO later’ approaches. This means nanoscience is likely stained glassed windows, as did the technology early on and funded environment, and nanodevices. to become the first field that carries out systematic Roman craftsmen that made the several major research projects in The experts will help to identify MAJOR CHANGE research on its possible adverse effects before large- Lycurgus Cup in the 4th century the field. recent developments in these scale application takes place. AD. Yet for its history, the breakout This report will present a snapshot specific research fields, the The future of nanoscience and technology moment for the field arguably came of the current state of nanoscience challenges that must be overcome, anoscience is a cutting-edge research field hinges on its contributions to global sustainable in 1981 with the development of the and technology research, supported and how they hope the fields will at the core of chemistry, physics, biology development. There is a need to strengthen basic Scanning Tunnelling Microscope by bibliographic data and expert evolve in the future. Nand materials. It has had a profound impact research to lay a solid foundation for further (STM), which allowed scientists to interviews, with a particular focus We conclude with a summation on modern science as a key to the development of growth of the field; to boost its catalytic effects on visualize individual atoms. on China’s performance. of our findings, along with a multiple disciplines. It’s also pivotal to transformative industrial technologies to more adequately meet the Since then, scientists have In Section 2, we will present a discussion of the role nanoscience manufacturing technologies with growing pressing requirements of energy and environment, made nanoparticles, nanowires, bibliometric analysis of nanoscience and technology play in the global applications found in energy & environment, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and artificial nanotubes, nanosheets, and technology’s contribution sustainable development goals, biomedicine, information devices and green intelligence. nanostructured materials, to the basic sciences, using data economic development, and manufacturing. Over the past two decades, More extensive and effective cooperation at and complex topological from Dimensions, Digital Science’s environmental protection. n countries and scientific institutions across the the global level is needed to build and improve nanostructures—even nano sea- database of publications, grants and world have implemented nanoscience research the innovation chains and value chains in urchins. They have used these clinical trials, and Springer Nature’s and development plans, making way for the field’s nanotechnology. We hope that through concerted structures to make field-effect Nature Index, a database that tracks 1. See https://www.researchandmarkets. comprehensive and rapid growth. Due to China’s efforts of global nanoscience researchers, more transmitters, biosensors and primary research articles published com/reports/4520812/global- nanotechnology-market-by-component- early and continuous emphasis on nanoscience, breakthroughs will come, with a broad effect on solar cells. They have developed in high-quality science journals. and the country is becoming one of the powerhouses industrial technology innovation to ultimately nanoparticle-based cancer We will continue along those 2. See https://www.nano.gov/about-nni/ what/funding leading nanoscience development. benefit society.n GETTY IMAGES ©WESTEND61/ treatments, and nanostructured lines in Section 3, where we

Scaling down for a bright future | 1 saw a 33% increase from the previous year. Since then, the increase rate levelled off, with a slight drop of nano-related publications in 2018. The observed surge in 2014 coincides with upsurges in graphene- and nanotube-related articles in Nature Index journals. The number of graphene-related articles in Nature Index journals soared from around 1,900 in 2012 to more than 3,500 in 2018, with the fastest growth of 25% in 2014(Figure 2). Articles on nanotubes saw a steady growth from 2012 to 2018, making the 22% uptick in 2014 very physical sciences and life in nano papers, with a 57% prominent. sciences2. In addition, primary increase from 2012 to 2018 and Also, in early 2014, a paper research articles in a selected a CAGR of 7.8%. It overtook reporting the fabrication group of material science chemical sciences in 2014, 2016 of transistors using black journals, along with selected and 2017. The growth curve IMPORTANCE OF phosphorous thin crystals research articles in Nature of material science papers in was published, gaining a Index, identified using field nanoscience echoes that of large number of citations and of research (FoR) codes, are nano-related physical science generating further investigations categorized as material science papers, which indicates a NANOTECHNOLOGY of two-dimensional materials, papers (refer to Appendix for connection between the two including two-dimensional more detailed description of fields. The growth of nano- phosphorene1. the method). related physical science papers Correspondingly, articles The field of physical sciences is largely shaped by that of TO BASIC SCIENCE discussing energy storage saw a has the largest number of material science papers, which 40% increase in 2014 from the nano-related articles among are a subset of the physical previous year, based on analysis the four broad fields (Figure 1), sciences. As outlined before, of the Nano database, as shown mostly because nearly all of the research on two-dimensional in Section 4. More specifically, material science articles and materials, such as graphene in the Nano database, articles many chemistry articles can and phosphorene, solar cells s a study of matter at Dimensions database were also in 2012 to slightly over 10,500 discussing solar cells increased be categorized into physical (particularly, perovskite solar the nanometre scale, analysed for a longer-term in 2018, with a compound by more than 2,000 from 2013 sciences. Note that the number cells), and quantum effects A nanoscience is an overview of the growth of the field. annual growth rate (CAGR) to 2014, the highest increase of nano-related articles in might help explain the sharp interdisciplinary subject that of 7.3% (Figure 1). This rate is in article volume in the last life sciences, while the lowest increase in nano-related cuts across a range of fields, Growth of high quality significantly higher than that 10 years. Several highly cited among the four research fields, physical science and material from chemistry and physics to publications in of all primary research articles papers on perovskite solar more than doubled from around science papers in 2014. As the biology and life sciences, and it nanoscience tracked by Nature Index, which cells were published around 610 in 2012 to nearly 1,560 publication data from Nano is playing an increasing role in The Nature Index tracks primary grew from less than 57,500 in 2013 and 2014, reporting high in 2018. Life science has the database show, studies on the advancing basic science. research articles published in 2012 to around 59,600 in 2018, power conversion efficiencies. fastest growth among the four quantum effect with graphene To understand its a selected group of 82 high- an increase of only 3.7%. The These articles have attracted research fields, with a CAGR of also grew rapidly around 2014. contribution, we analysed high- quality science journals. Using disparity indicates that the further attention to perovskite 17%, and is the only field that In terms of quantity, quality papers tracked by Nature a keyword search of abstracts, observed growth of nanoscience materials, leading to a booming shows a continued increase in nanoscience papers in Index to examine the output titles and full text, nano-related research is not just a result of of studies on solar cell nano-related papers. Much of chemistry track closely to those and growth of nanoscience articles published from 2012 the expansion of high-quality technologies. the booming was fuelled by in material sciences. Again, this research within four broad to 2018 were identified in the papers tracked by Nature Index. Based on the existing journal research in nano-diagnostics and implies the interdisciplinary fields of natural sciences— Nature Index database. In the years between 2012 groups of Nature Index, nano- nanomedicine, such as the use of nature of nanoscience and chemical, material, physical The total number of nano- and 2018, the greatest increase related primary research nanomaterials for drug delivery. nanotechnology. For instance, and life sciences. Publication related articles in Nature Index in nano-related publications articles can be categorized into Material science has the materials chemistry, which data tracked in Digital Science’s grew by 52%, from around 6,900 occurred in 2014, which GETTY IMAGES © POBYTOV/ three broad fields—chemistry, second largest growth rate focuses on using chemistry

2 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 3 of physical science papers using nanoscience and technology grew from 25% in 2012 to 42% in 2016, but since then slightly declined (Figure 4). Similar to the number of nano-related physical science papers, the biggest increase in the percentage was in 2014, which can possibly be explained by the growing research on two-dimensional materials and related applications in nanoelectronics as mentioned earlier. Note that the percentages of nano articles in physical sciences are lower than those of material methods to design and articles accelerated in the primary research articles sciences, while in terms of the synthesize materials, is a first decade of the 21st published from 2012 to 2018 number of nanoscience-related key subdomain of materials Century, largely powered are nanoscience-related, papers, physical sciences makes sciences, suggesting that there by the development of two- accounting for 16% of the total a larger absolute contribution. is a significant overlap between dimensional materials and DNA number of Nature Index articles This is simply because materials the two fields. The number of nanotechnology, such as the published in this period. The science is a smaller field in nano-related chemical science isolation of graphene in 2004 and percentage increased from 12% Nature Index than physical papers grew steadily from 2012 the invention of DNA origami in in 2012 to 19% in 2017, but science, which, ranging from to 2015, and after a drop in 2016, 2006. Publications grew from slightly dropped in 2018 (Figure high energy physics to geology, rose to its peak in 2018, with just over 6,000 articles in 2000 4), possibly due to the decrease includes a larger number of nearly 5,300 articles, surpassing to nearly 67,000 in 2010, with in nano-related physical science articles, and thus, inflating the material science papers. a CAGR of 27%, marking the or more specifically, material number of nano-related physical is slightly different. The for life science research output, Digital Science’s Dimensions decade of the fastest growth in science papers published in science papers. percentage of nano-related it is steadily growing. This database, a research data nanoscience research. 2018, as shown in Figure 1 above. The percent of chemical papers is still quite low but trend suggests that nanoscience platform linking publication, Since those heady days, growth Unsurprisingly, materials science papers related to climbing steadily. It grew from is becoming increasingly grants, patents and other has moderated but is still very science contains the largest nanoscience and technology 3.5% in 2012 to 8.4% in 2018, interdisciplinary, contributing relevant information, provides much on the rise. Between 2010 percentage of nano-related grew from 19% in 2012 to 25% in suggesting that nanoscience to the growth of multiple basic a longer-term overview of the and 2018, nanoscience research articles, followed by physical 2015, and since then, the growth and technology are playing science fields. n growth of nanoscience research. output increased at a CAGR of sciences, chemistry, and then levelled off. The percentages an ever-larger role in the Nanoscience research output3 15%. A portion of that growth can life sciences (Figure 4). In are much lower than those development of life sciences, grew from less than 1,500 be attributed to the expansion of general, more than half (51%) of observed for material sciences, including biomedicine. papers in 1990 to more than nanoscience into fields beyond all the quality material science even though the number of nano 205,000 in 2018, an increase of material sciences and chemistry, papers published from 2012 to papers in chemistry is not much In general, being a broad more than 130 times (Figure 3). particularly life sciences. 2018 are nanoscience-related. different from that in material research field, physical sciences 1. See Li, Likai; Yu, Yijun; Jun Ye, Guo; Ge, The steady growth in the 1990s In a yearly comparison, the sciences. This is because in have the largest number and Qingqin; Ou, Xuedong; Wu, Hua; Zhang, could largely be attributed to the Growing role played percentage steadily increased, our classification of Nature share of nanoscience research Yuanbo (2014). “Black Phosphorus developments foundational to by nanoscience and from 43% in 2012 to 54% Index journals, chemistry is output. But when controlling Field Effect Transistors”. Nature Nanotechnology. 9 (5): 372–377. nanoscience. Carbon nanotubes technology in basic in 2018, demonstrating an a larger field including more for the size of the field, we 2. For the list of journals in each broad field, and crystalline semiconductor research increasingly important role journals than material sciences, see that it is in material please see https://www.natureindex. com/faq#subjects. Or refer to the nanowires were first grown in For a closer look at the role played by nanoscience and thus, with more papers sciences that nanoscience Appendix for Nature Index journal the 1990s, while an important played by nanoscience and technology in shaping the published between 2012 and and technology play a most grouping. STM technique that enabled technology in output of different development of this field. 2018. Making up more than dominant role, represented 3. Note that journal publications in Dimensions database include not just atom-by-atom manipulation research fields, we also used the More than one third of all one fifth of chemical science by an increasingly larger primary research articles, but also and the stimulated-emission- Nature Index data to calculate quality physical science papers research output, publications in percentage of material science perspectives, reviews, and for a small selected number of journals, news and depletion microscopy the percentage of nano-related published from 2012 to 2018 are nanoscience and technology still papers using nanoscience and comments. Although a small number of technology were first reported. papers out of all high-quality nanoscience-related, the second contribute considerably to the technology. While the role nano-related articles in Dimensions are not primary research output in a strict On the foundation, the research papers in a broad field. highest among the four broad field of chemistry. played by nanoscience and sense, all these publications reflect the publication of nanoscience A total of nearly 67,000 research fields. The percentage The story in life sciences technology seems to be minor growth of this field.

4 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 5 the United States, Japan, Germany, the third highest CAGR at South Korea, the United Kingdom almost 22%, though due in (UK), France, and Australia. large part to its smaller size it is Based on publication data tracked consistently ranked seventh or in Dimensions, all eight countries eighth in number of nanoscience have seen increases in nanoscience publications for most of the publications from 1990 to 2018, a years in the period from 1990 to result of the booming of the field. 2018. Likewise, the United States But nowhere is that growth more nanoscience research output grew pronounced than in China, where at a CAGR of 18%, giving it the the number of journal articles in fourth highest growth rate among nanoscience grew from just 14 in the eight countries we evaluated. 1990 to nearly 70,600 in 2018, at That rate is not enough to prevent a CAGR of 36% (Figure 5). The real the United States from slipping takeoff was in the 2010s, when the behind China in 2011 to become increase from 2010 to 2018 in the the second largest contributor to number of nano papers amounted nanoscience research output, a to more than 58,000. China’s position it still occupies today. research output in nanoscience rose to be the highest of the world A cross-country in 2011, far outpacing the other comparison in high-quality countries since 2012. nanoscience papers The rapid growth in China For a closer look at the recent can be attributable to the strong growth trends of quality research governmental support, with ever- output in nanoscience and growing research funding. As early technology for the main research as the 1990s, the National Natural powerhouses, we used Nature Science Foundation of China Index data to compare the (NSFC) funded nearly 1,000 small- numbers of nano-related papers scale projects in nanoscience1 . published from 2012 to 2018 by Around 2000, China’s Ministry of these eight countries. Science and Technology (MOST) When looking at nanoscience funded a national nanomaterial papers in Nature Index journals, and nanostructure basic research the United States led the world project, providing sustained throughout the period from 2012 funding to fuel research in this area. to 2017 (Figure 6). Its high-quality With continued research funding research output in nanoscience support, China is positioned to and technology grew by 43%, from extend its lead in nanoscience 3,070 papers in 2012 to almost rom thousands of papers to research output, we used research in the coming decade. 4,400 in 2017. But in 2018, it published globally each year Dimensions and Nature Index data Another rising star in dropped to slightly over 4,000 and CROSS-COUNTRY F in the 1990s, to hundreds of for cross-country comparisons. nanoscience research output was, for the first time, surpassed thousands of publications annually We also identified key institutions is South Korea. The number by China. now, the field of nanoscience that contribute to the growth of of articles it published in Though China surpassed the COMPARISON OF and technology has emerged nanoscience research. nanoscience grew from only 8 United States in the number of as a research priority in many in 1990 to nearly 10,600 in 2018, nanoscience publications in 2011, countries, as demonstrated in A longitudinal view of at a CAGR of 29%. It is ranked it still had a gap to close with the RESEARCH OUTPUT the growing amount of primary cross-country comparison last among the eight countries United States in high-quality nanoscience research published in in nanoscience research throughout most of the 1990s, nanoscience research for the years major research powerhouses. Using the Digital Science but surpassed Japan to become from 2012 to 2017. With the highest IN NANOSCIENCE To understand the growth Dimensions database, we the fourth largest contributor to growth rate among the eight patterns in nanoscience research at compared the growth of nanoscience research in 2012, countries, China’s high-quality a national level, and to understand nanoscience publications from only slightly behind Germany. nanoscience publications more AND TECHNOLOGY the competitive strengths among 1990 to 2018 among the eight top Among the other countries than trippled from nearly 1,300 in

large national contributors DESIGN/ GETTY IMAGES © LAGUNA nations driving the field: China, in our analysis, Australia has 2012 to slightly over 4,100 in 2018,

6 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 7 research output of the United States in this period. In addition, China appears to have led the United States by a larger margin in 2018 when using FC, which might also be a result of the greater international collaboration in that year for the United States. It might also be interpreted as a stronger dependence on internal resources for China’s nano research output, compared with that of the United States. Germany remains third in terms of its contribution to nanoscience research output when using FC. South Korea is consistently ranked the fourth in FC between 2012 and 2017, only surpassed by the UK in 2018. When using FC, nano research output of the UK is also lower than that of Japan in the three years from 2014 to 2016. This suggests a CAGR of 21%. In 2018, China throughout 2012-2018. a greater amount of international overtook the United States as As articles produced in collaboration in nano-related the global leader in high-quality international collaboration can research by UK, compared with the nanoscience research output, a be counted as research output in two Asian countries. lead it is positioned to extend in more than one country, we also France and Australia remain the future. compared quality research output ranked at seventh and eighth, Both China and the United in nanoscience and technology (as respectively, in nanoscience States lead the rest of the pack by tracked by Nature Index) using the research output when using FC. a wide margin. Germany, ranked fractional count (FC). This measure As countries with high level of third throughout 2012-2018, saw its takes into account the percentage international collaboration in high-quality journal publications of authors from an institution (or their quality nanoscience research in nanoscience growing from 885 a country) and the number of output, their gaps with the other in 2012 to only around 1,350 in affiliated institutions (or countries) countries have slightly widened. United States. Seven institutions nanoscience research, its top Institute of Technology (MIT), 2018, a CAGR of 7%. The UK follows per article, and all authors are are from South Korea, six from ranking in high-quality research ranking the fifth in terms of in the fourth position and has a considered to have contributed Leading institutions in Germany, and five are from output also signals its strength. the FC of nano-related research growth pattern (a CAGR of 10%) equally to the article. nanoscience research Japan. The eight countries under The second largest institution output. It is closely followed very similar to that of Germany. Seen through the lens of FC, The top 100 institutions study account for 88% of the top contributor to quality by Nanyang Technological Their growth rates (calculated in the growth patterns in quality producing quality nanoscience 100 institutions. nanoscience research output in University in Singapore. CAGR), though higher than that of nanoscience research for the eight research in Nature Index were Looking at the top 10 2018 is Stanford University in the the United States, are flat compared studied countries are generally also identified. In line with the institutions, the dominance of United States. Its FC is less than In general, the global with China’s. similar to those observed when leading positions of the United Chinese institutions is clear, one third that of CAS, which comparison shows the leading For South Korea, its rapid using article counts. But some States and China in nanoscience with six institutions on the list is not surprising considering role played by the United growth in nanoscience research distinctions are worth noting. research, the majority of (Figure 8). The Chinese Academy the size difference. Stanford States and China in the output is not replicated in Taking FC into consideration, the leading institutions in of Sciences (CAS), including University is followed by Max landscape of nanoscience and high-quality nanoscience the United States appears to have nanoscience and technology- its institutes and state key Planck Society in Germany, technology research, including publications, suggesting that it peaked in 2014 rather than 2017, related research output are from laboratories, has the highest which, as with CAS, also includes quality research output, and could still improve the quality of with a slight decline in FC of nano- these two countries. Among FC of nano-related research, all of its associated centres and particularly, a rapidly growing its research in this field. France related research output from 2014 the top 100 institutions with leading the other institutions on institutes. It is the only European contribution by China.n and Australia remained at the to 2016 (Figure 7). This suggests the highest FC of nano-related the top 10 list by a large margin. institution in the top 10 list. seventh and eighth in quality a higher degree of international research output in 2018, 33 are While the sheer size of CAS may Another American institution 1. See Bai, Chunli. Ascent of Nanoscience research output in nanoscience collaboration in the nanoscience from China, and 30 are from the help explain its contribution to on the top 10 list is Massachusetts in China. Science 2005, 309: 61-63.

8 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 9 and rapid growth, increasing from more than 5,400 in 2010 to nearly A PROMISING 24,000 in 2016 (Figure 10). Though the number dropped in 2017 and 2018, due to the incomplete data collection, FUTURE FOR it grew higher than the number of nanoparticle-related patents in 2018. That growth was supported by an INDUSTRIAL increasing research output and an acknowledgement of graphene’s potential in industrial use, whether in APPLICATIONS the energy industry, with improved lithium batteries, or in the electronics industry, with advances in super OF NANOSCIENCE capacitors and computer chips. The growth of graphene related patents also benefits from the growth AND TECHNOLOGY in large-scale production capacity, particularly in China. According to the Global Graphene Industry Report 2017, released by the China Innovation Alliance of the Graphene Industry, China ranks first in patent applications for graphene technology, and also has the most graphene rom nanosheets to studied nanostructures, as well as manufacturers 1. nanotubes, nanomaterials emerging applications, we used The number of other promising F vary significantly in the Nano database, a platform technologies grew steadily between form and type. As such, they developed by Springer Nature to 2010 and 2016. Patents based on also have diverse applications, help researchers keep track of the quantum dots and nanowires which range from catalysts latest research in nanoscience and also grew rapidly, though not as for energy conversion to nano technology. The database includes dramatically as those on graphene. devices for electronic uses. detailed information on properties, The former increased by 63% from They present great potential applications and preparation methods 2010 to 2016, while the latter saw a for uses in various industries, of thousands of nanomaterials and 48% increase in the same period. though for many promising devices gleaned from peer-reviewed attention until after 2004 when it nanowires and nanocrystals saw and fitness applications and, even, The number of patents exploring nanotechnologies obstacles journal articles on nanoscience. The was first isolated from graphite, significant growth. Both areas environmental applications, such nanosheets grew from fewer than remain with commercialization Nano database also includes nano- but interest in it has grown since. grew from around 3,800 articles as in water treatment and air or soil 300 in 2010 to approximately and production at scale. related patent information, which The Nano database tracked more in 2010 to slightly under 10,500 pollutant remediation. 1,300 in 2016. This is generally Using the Nano database, we helped to inform our analysis as well. than 2,100 graphene-related in 2018 (Figure 9). The number of patents on consistent with the rapid increase investigated popular nanostructures articles in 2010. That the number In the realm of patent applications, nanoparticles grew from above observed for the number of and related applications to assess the Popular nanostructures surged to more than 10,000 in 2014 our analysis of the Nano database 30,000 in 2010 to more than 36,000 articles studying nanosheets. state of development within specific Based on analysis of the Nano and to more than 21,000 in 2018, mostly echoed the trends in research in 2014. Since then, the number has areas of nanoscience and technology. database from 2010 to 2018, approximately a 10-fold increase in output. Popular structures are fallen slightly, dropping to just over Popular applications of nanomaterials We also conducted interviews nanoparticles stand out as the less than a decade (Figure 9). nanoparticles, graphene, quantum 27,000 in 2017 and further down to The Nano database also tracks with Chinese and international most frequently studied structure. Though farther down the dots, nanowires and nanocrystals. just over 14,000 in 2018 (Figure 10). various applications of nanomaterials nanoscience experts to better More than 270,900 journal articles development curve, other emerging As with research output, The decline in 2017 and 2018 could be discussed in research articles. understand the research and R&D referenced them between 2010 and nanomaterials are gaining in nanoparticles dominate nanoscience an artefact of incomplete patent data Based on articles published trends in specific research spaces to 2018. In this period, the annual popularity, namely nanosheets, and technology patents in the Nano tracked in these two years due to the between 2010 and 2018, popular identify promising opportunities, as number of articles concerning nanowires and nanocrystals. Studies database. This is largely because the requirement for a confidential period applications of nanomaterials are well as persistent challenges. nanoparticles more than tripled from on nanosheets in the Nano database technology is more mature than associated with patents. Thus, we electronics, catalysis, drug delivery, about 13,000 articles in 2010 to nearly were only slightly over 800 in 2010, other applications and the perceived only focus on patent data from 2010 optoelectronics, and energy storage. Understandings from the 40,000 in 2018 (Figure 9). but increased to more than 11,000 opportunities are so great. Potential to 2016 for the analysis. The number of articles that have Nano database Graphene is another very popular articles in 2018. Likewise, the applications span drug delivery and In that same period, graphene- explored applications in electronics

To identify popular and commonly nanomaterial. It did not gain much numbers of articles that explored GETTY IMAGES © DRA_SCHWARTZ/ medical imaging, consumer health related patents also saw consistent far exceeds that of the other popular

10 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 11 applications, rising from fewer than with the highest rate from 2010 to or biomedicine industry is more structure, and particle size. ceramics described by Mn+1AXn, could move the field forward. 31,700 in 2010 to more than 86,000 2018 of all the popular applications. common than in the energy Synthesis and/or fabrication must where M is a transition metal, A is Of the emerging in 2017, an increase of more than The number of nano-related articles industry. But with the large number also be commercially scalable — aluminium or silicon and X is carbon nanocharacterization methods, 170% (Figure 11). Though that number that have discussed energy storage of articles discussing the use of “one needs nanomaterials that can or nitrogen, and n is 1 to 3. With high liquid cell TEM allows for dropped to less than 82,000 in 2018, increased from around 1,200 in 2010 nanotechnology for energy storage be produced in macro quantities to conductivity and flexibility, MXenes measurements to be taken in electronics remained the most to slightly fewer than 12,000 in 2018 or generation, the application make difference in the world,” as a are of interest in a range of energy liquid, for example, during the popular nanotechnology application (Figure 11). Similarly, the application potential for nano energy is high. researcher explains. storage and water purification growth of nanoparticles in solution. in terms of the amount of associated areas of layered materials, medical “Methods of soft chemistry at technologies. High-resolution TEM can image research output. devices and optoelectronics have Insights from insiders room or slightly elevated temperature China is leading the field in the internal structure of the Catalysis is the second largest all seen significant growth rates in Perspectives from experts in are the most promising for scale-up MXenes, both in terms of number of nanostructures, while electron application area discussed in research terms of research output, though nanoscience and technology, of nano-materials,” an expert says. papers and patents. Stable phases tomography is able to capture 3D articles published between 2010 and not as dramatic as the growth rate in obtained via interviews or literature Other approaches gaining traction of more than 200 MXenes have images of nanostructures. Cryo- 2018. The related research output energy storage. review, inform our understanding for the synthesis of two-dimensional been theoretically predicted, in the electron microscopy (cryoEM), increased from about 5,000 articles Analysis on patent data shows of the prospects for nanotechnology (2D) materials are selective etching coming years researchers hope to the subject of the 2017 Nobel Prize in 2010 to more than 15,000 that popular application areas of application in different industries. and topochemical synthesis. experimentally realise more than 100. for Chemistry, is another method articles in 2017, though the number nanotechnology include electronics, Exciting recent developments in As shown above in the bibliometric Scientists will still need to hone that can be used to visualize slightly dropped below 15,000 in drug delivery, paint, catalysis, and different areas of nanotechnology, analysis, two-dimensional (2D) synthesis methods capable of nanostructure growth. 2018 (Figure 11). diagnostics (Figure 12). While the from nano electronic devices materials have garnered intense making structures less costly In 2013, a cryoEM method called Drug delivery is the third most number of patents on electronics and nano energy materials interest, particularly after the and more efficiently to meet the microcrystal electron diffraction popular application, as defined by remains the highest, as with its to nanomedicine and micro- isolation of graphene in 2004, industrial demand and realise (MicroED) was developed. It allows the number of nanotechnology- number of research articles, the nanoprocessing, are discussed, along thanks to their intriguing physical, wider application of nanomaterials rapid, unambiguous determination related articles published between popularity of biomedicine-related with challenges and opportunities in optical and electronic properties. and nanotechnology. of small organic molecules, and is 2010 and 2018 that have discussed applications, like drug delivery these different research spaces. Other examples of such materials already being used to study protein it. That number nearly tripled from and diagnostics, is significant. It include molybdenum disulphide Nanocharacterization crystal structures, becoming more than 3,700 articles in 2010 to shows focused attention on health Nanosynthesis (MoS2) and other transition metal Scientists and engineers need another valuable tool in structural more than 11,000 in 2017, though applications and a high demand The global nanomaterials market dichalgonides, silicene — a silicon to be able to confirm that the biology 3. As electron diffraction is it fell slightly below 11,000 in 2018. for technology innovation in the is expected to reach USD 55 billion analogue of graphene — hexagonal nanomaterials they are making have sensitive to charge and chemical Optoelectronics closely follows as biomedicine industry. by 20222 . To realize the potential boron nitride, and MXenes. the intended size, shape, crystal bonding, it can potentially be used the fourth most popular application The number of patents on catalysis of nanotechnology-based devices, “The synthesis of dozens of 2D structure and elemental composition. to directly visualize these key area based on the total number of is also high, but energy-related scientists and engineers must be carbides and nitrides (MXenes) is Scanning and transmission electron characteristics of protein structures. articles published between 2010 patent applications, like energy able to grow nanomaterials to order the most exciting development of microscopy (SEM & TEM) remain In 2018, the technique was used to and 2018 (Figure 11). storage and power generation, are with a high degree of precision and the past decade,” says one scientist. the most popular methods to obtain structural information from In terms of growth areas, fewer than those on diagnostics repeatability. Some of the major MXenes are two dimensional sheets characterize nanomaterials, but they nanocrystals at resolutions of less than research output on energy-related and paint. It suggests that the challenges in this field include: of transition metal carbides or come with limitations. Improved an angstrom. Further development of applications increased the fastest, use of nanotechnology in paint reproducibility, control of chemistry, nitrides made from MAX phases — nanocharacterization approaches MicroED possibly requires improved

12 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 13 specimen preparation that takes capabilities with lower weight and Though heavy with promise, should be evaluated separately.” breakthrough will open a new field systematic planning is needed into account the biological feature of power consumption. carbon nanomaterials are currently Looking into the future of for nanomedicine,” says the lead to allocate research resources fragile protein crystals and preserves A big challenge in the information only used in a small number of nanoelectronics, the use of author of the study, an expert in more efficiently. Also, China still their structural details4 . industry is meeting the increasing electronic devices and sensors. As nanomaterials will probably not be nanomedicine. The programmed has a gap to close in translating New developments in nanoscale demand for high-performance silicon-based devices will still meet just confined to electronic devices, DNA technique was tested in mice and applying its research results characterization also lie in the in-situ computing, according to an expert most needs for the next couple of but extend to human-like systems with positive results in fighting into clinical settings, says a and in-operando techniques. Usually on nanoelectronics. As silicon-based years, the calls to replace them are or robots, according to one breast cancer cells. nanomedicine expert. used for studying catalytic materials chips are reaching their limit, carbon not too loud yet. In addition, many expert interviewed. The emerging In nano diagnostics, recent Further development of and activities, the former allows high nanomaterials, such as graphene or lab findings or patents are still a nanomaterials-based smart skin advances include the use of nanomedicine requires a spatial-temporal resolution, while carbon nanotubes, are giving Moore’s long way from commercialization. technology that helps to sense flexible electronics as sensors to more established theoretical the latter couples characterization law a new lease of life. They release In order to drive commercialization the world and is self-powered is monitor neural activities 6; high- framework and closer during the actual reaction condition less heat and consume less power, forward, says one expert, “long-term an example. With the marriage speed nanopore DNA sequencing integration between (in-situ) with simultaneous allowing a higher packing density commitment and more investment between nanotechnology and the technology; liquid biopsies based on nanotechnology and biomedical measurement of catalytic activity and than silicon materials. This means are needed to promote wider use of AI technology, the future may see micro/nano sensors for early cancer research. “Our research should selectivity. They enable determining that more transistors can be crammed carbon nanomaterials.” the development of a system that detection; and nanoparticles that be guided by clinical needs,” material structure and understanding on a chip, leading to faster, and more In China, big investment into basic can also perceive the world, and can be used as contrast agents for says an expert. “And we need its performance at the same time, energy-efficient integrated circuits, science research has led to growing make decisions. imaging, as well as for monitoring more collaboration with biology helping to elucidate structure- which are also less costly. research output in the area of carbon treatment effects of nanodrugs, and biomedical researchers, function relationships of materials. A recent exciting development is nanomaterials for electronic use. Nanomedicine combing diagnostic and therapeutic even clinicians.” Advances in these techniques, such a three-dimensional chip based on While China is already leading and nano-diagnostics functions. Each one of these areas as X-ray absorption spectroscopy Results from the Nano database offers growth and opportunity. and scanning tunnelling microscopy, suggest that nanomedicine, either One area that bears more will sharpen our understanding in published research articles or investigation is the stability and of catalytic reactions and enhance A big challenge in the information filed patents, is another popular safety of nanodrugs, say interviewed “Nanomedicine experimental design. “ nanotechnology application. As experts. Nanodrugs, usually based will become a As the level of detail and control industry is meeting the increasing an emerging, interdisciplinary on self-assembled nanoparticles, required in nanostructures for demand for high-performance field, nanomedicine has grown can be highly active given their small core technology specific uses increases, so too in recent years. Driven by growth size and complex structure. They enabling smart must the level of information computing. in areas such as drug discovery, could, one day, reduce the damage to obtained from characterization ” regenerative medicine, diagnostics human organs caused by traditional healthcare. techniques, to ensure that the and medical imaging, nanomedicine drugs, but much remains unknown, materials produced — particularly carbon nanotubes, which combines in nanoscience-related journal already permeates the biomedicine most particularly their potential ” for commercial applications — data storage and processing, says the publications, it still has a gap to close industry, with widening application toxicity and immunogenicity. are uniform, reproducible and of expert. “With a multi-layer structure, in turning its research breakthroughs potentials. Common examples To facilitate the safe development In addition, efforts are acceptable quality. With reproducible they have potential to improve the on carbon nanomaterials to disruptive include nano drug delivery systems of nanodrugs, says one expert, “we needed to reduce the cost and reliable characterization chip performance by hundreds or technologies, according to an expert and nano-enabled sensors for should also help improve public of nanomedicine, by setting of nanomaterials, improved thousands of times, compared with in the field. “Building an industry disease diagnosis, as shown by understanding of nanomedicine, up a system to advance the interpretation of characterization current silicon-based ones.” based on carbon nanomaterials still Nano database results, along with highlighting that nanodrugs may research and technological results and control of nanomaterial Beyond chip design, carbon takes time and requires national some anti-tumour nanodrugs that not always be toxic, yet are not innovation, and by engineering structure-function relationships, nanotubes, with their unique government support,” he said. And are already in clinical use. omnipotent either.” technologies to fabricate we are expected to transfer structure and high-sensitivity, this is an issue not just for China, One exciting discovery, according “Nanomedicine is not magic, nanodrugs at industrial scales. nanotechnology to more real- could make ideal sensor materials, but also for the other big research to interviewed experts, is the recent and will not completely “I hope nanomedicine world applications. with promising application in powerhouses in nanoscience. development of nanorobots that replace traditional medicine,” will soon be applied in early the Internet of Things (IoT). New While applied research may can accurately deliver drugs and says another. “They may diagnosis and treatment of Nano devices and information developments include combining need some guidance and planning, control their release. The new, complement each other, major diseases,” says one technology carbon nanomaterials with machine this does not mean that careful intelligent drug delivery system growing hand-in-hand.” expert about the future of the Given their unique electrical, learning technology to achieve high government oversight is needed uses programmed DNA, folded to As with other areas of field. “It may be able to turn optical, magnetic and other sensitivity and selectivity, as well as for developing research, the encapsulate a drug payload, which nanoscience, China is developing cancer into a chronic disease, properties, as well as their small greater sensor accuracy. One exciting nano expert emphasized. “Basic travels the bloodstream. Once it rapidly in nanomedicine. significantly improving size, nanomaterials are popular for opportunity that is emerging lies research should be curiosity- locates the target tumour, the DNA Particularly, it has produced many patients’ life quality,” adds uses in electronics, as our analysis in brain machine interfaces (BMI), driven, where researchers should would unfold and dispense a protein quality studies on nano toxicity and another. The integration suggests. From nano transistors to where the confluence of artificial be encouraged to explore freely, that causes blood clotting, leading to bio-safety, enzyme nanoparticles with AI technologies is also plasma displays and even quantum intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology based on their interest,” he said. death of cancer cells6 . and smart nanorobots. However, promising. “Nanomedicine computers, nanomaterials allow, or are likely to enable BMI that can learn “It has a different purpose from “By integrating nanotechnology there is still a lot of low-level will become a core technology could allow, enhanced computing and adapt to changing demands5 . applied research, and the two with molecular biology, this repetitive work, and more enabling smart healthcare.”

14 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 15 and capable of fast charging; storing nanomaterials are also used for problems or developing green of nanomaterials and energy for grid-scale use with coating to avoid chemical waste nanomaterials. For instance, in nanotechnologies is growing. seasonal variation; converting carbon production, primarily caused by water treatment nanotechnology, According to data from the United dioxide into useful products; and toxic photosensitive materials used green catalysis, and green States Patents and Trademark efficiently harvesting and making for treating printing plates. Green printing technologies, China is Office (USPTO), the number use of waste heat. Nanotechnology printing technology can change the leading in the world. However, of published nanotechnology could be harnessed to address conventional printing processes and more safety studies, especially patents grew to 20,187 in 2017, these challenges, driving the new lead to high-resolution printing, longitudinal studies are needed a 3.2% increase from 20169 . energy industry. achieved by polymer self-assembly to evaluate the possible impacts And among this, 9,145 were Thanks to considerable growth processes. The technology is also of large-scale and long-term granted patents. Considering over the last two decades along with applicable in printing electronic use of nanotechnology, urges all the patents registered either continued support and funding from circuits, dyeing fabric, and 3D one expert. in USPTO or European Patents the government and “the decline printing, providing an eco-friendly This kind of impact assessment Office (EPO), the share of of the American funding culture,” solution to a range of industries. is important for promoting nanotechnology patents to total China has emerged as a leader in Concerns exist about the industrial application, as patents was around 2.5% in the junction of nanotechnology and expanding use of nanotechnology well as public acceptance 201710 . In China, nanotechnology energy, “Number 1, by volume and and nanomaterials. One pressing of nanotechnology. Further patents accounted for 3.4% partly by quality,” according to one issue is the perceived health threat exploration at the nanoscale to of all its patents registered in expert. “There are many exciting of nanoparticles, which are already reveal new mechanisms and basic USPTO or EPO. While this share Nanotechnology and energy to improve the performance and research results from Chinese used in consumer products like research on the relationships may sound small, with the Nanotechnology, according to capacity of rechargeable batteries. scientists spreading over all areas of sunscreens and paints, and can be between nanostructures and global nanotechnology market one expert, is both disruptive and They are particularly promising as energy technology,” another adds. inhaled or enter our bodies via skin. their properties may help estimated at USD 39.2 billion distributed and, in as much, components in the next generation Contaminated metals in carbon improve our understanding of the in 2016 and a projected CAGR could change the energy market of high-energy battery technology, Green nanotechnology nanotubes may also damage health. environmental and health effects of 18% from 2016 to 202111 , the as dramatically as smart phones according to one expert. Examples Nanotechnology can be harnessed future of industrial applications changed telecommunications. include nanostructured lithium metal to reduce potential health and of nanotechnology is promising, As mentioned earlier, results from and silicon anodes, as well as sulphur environmental risks, addressing Independent third-party agencies and the technological revolution the Nano database suggest that cathodes for next-generation, high- sustainable development challenges. “ that nanoscience started in many energy applications are, indeed, a energy lithium batteries. Examples range from the use of may be needed to evaluate potential industry sectors will continue.n hot topic for research articles on They also could have roles as nanopores for water treatment, to nanoscience and technology, and catalysts, which are used to increase the development of solar cells that side effects, and perform systematic with good reason: Market research reaction rates. For the production convert sunlight to electricity. 1. See https://www.reportlinker.com/ studies on how to bring technology p04539093/Global-and-China-Graphene- reports predict that the global of clean fuels, such as hydrogen, “Green nanotechnology also Industry-Report.html?utm_source=PRN market for nanotechnology in where current methods are energy- means synthesizing nanomaterials from lab to market, and how to and http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ cndy/2018-02/01/content_35623375.htm energy applications will grow from intensive, or reliant on expensive that are non-toxic and non- safely apply it. 2. See https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/ USD 5.7 billion in 2018 to USD 10 catalysts such as platinum, harmful, and minimizing the nano-materials-market (produced 2016) 8 ” billion by 2023 . nanostructured catalysts are a must possible harm associated in the 3. See Brent L. Nannenga, Guanhong Bu and Dan Shi. The Evolution and the Advantages Within energy, experts identified for commercial viability. fabrication or manufacturing “The long-term environmental of nanomaterials. For promoting of MicroED. Front. Mol. Biosci., 12 December a number of broad challenges, A major development in processes of nanomaterials,” says impacts of large-scale use of industrial use, “independent 2018. 4. See Duyvesteyn et. al. Machining protein including stability, cost, sustainability nanocatalysis is metal-free an interviewed expert. nanomaterials and nanotechnology third-party agencies may be microcrystals for structure determination by and scalability. Energy devices must heterogeneous catalysis, including One example is the development are still unclear and cause disputes,” needed to evaluate potential side electron diffraction. PNAS, 115 (38): 9569- 9573(2018) be “cheap, durable, and life cycle carbocatalysis, says one expert, of green catalysts, a pillar of green adds an interviewed expert. “More effects, and perform systematic 5. See Gabriel A. Silva. A new frontier: The sustainable,” says one expert. where covalent carbon structures, chemical engineering. Many studies on these are needed if we studies on how to bring technology convergence of nanotechnology, brain Nanotechnology could address such as graphene-based materials, conventional catalysts contain heavy want to have large-scale, wide from lab to market, and how to machine interfaces, and artificial intelligence. Front. Neurosci., 16 November 2018. https:// each one of these broad challenges. can perform the same function metals, such as mercury, which applications of nanotechnology.” safely apply it,” says one expert. doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00843 For example, to make renewable as enzymes, but in all solvents can be a hazardous pollutant. The Particularly in China, where heavy “We need a collaborative system 6. See Li et. Al. A DNA nanorobot functions as a cancer therapeutic in response energy more commercially viable, and temperature ranges. These development of nitrogen-doped investment has generated large that enables close interactions to a molecular trigger in vivo. Nature the efficiency of solar cells could carbocatalysts may be used, not only carbon nanotubes, which are found output in nanoscience research, between academia, industry, Biotechnology, 36, 258-264 (2018) be increased by incorporating in chemical catalysis, but also in to be active in acetylene hydro- studies on the environmental impacts market and the government.” 7. See https://www.nature.com/articles/ nmeth.3969 nanostructured materials such photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. chlorination reaction, provides an of nanotechnology are still lacking, The true development and rollout 8. See https://www.bccresearch.com/market- as quantum dots and perovskite. Looking a bit further ahead, some effective and non-toxic alternative for compared to other major national of green nanotechnology require research/nanotechnology/nanotechnology- in-energy-applications.html Similarly, carbon nanotubes could be of the major challenges in this field, producing polyvinyl chloride, a solid contributors of nanoscience research, collaborative participation of all 9. See https://statnano.com/news/62082 used as electrodes in thermocells to experts predict, involve mobile safe plastic widely used in construction, notes an expert. China is not short these players. 10. See https://statnano.com/report/s140 generate electricity from waste heat. energy storage for electric cars, with healthcare, electronics and more. of studies on using nanotechnology 11. See https://www.bccresearch.com/market- research/nanotechnology/nanotechnology-

Nanomaterials could also be used high energy density, long cycle life In the printing industry, GETTY IMAGES © DRA_SCHWARTZ/ to address environmental pollution In summary, application market-products-applications-report.html

16 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 17 GREAT EXPECTATIONS

he United Nations’ 17 and inorganic nanomaterials, such consistently growing according to patent applications for that period reproducibility, structure, particle energy conversion and storage, Sustainable Development as graphene, carbon nanotubes, data from the Nature Index. include nanoparticles, graphene, size, stability, cost, sustainability nanomedicine, or the use of green T Goals (SDG) for 2030 are a and others, have been discussed at In a cross-country comparison, quantum dots, nanowires and and scalability, as well as translating nanomaterials. Turning these roadmap to a better, more sustainable length in this report. using data from Dimensions, we nanocrystals. Research articles research results into applications. research results into disruptive future. Nanotechnology could We have taken you on a found that from 1990 to 2018 China between 2010 and 2018 focussed Experts also noted that more technologies for industrial use is the significantly increase sustainable bibliographic journey through the was the fastest-growing producer on the following nanomaterial studies are needed to evaluate the next step needed for China to further development in the energy, nanoscale. From the beginning of of nanotechnology research, with a applications: electronics, long-term impact of nanomaterials grow its nanotechnology. water, chemical, medical and the field to where experts believe it CAGR of 36%. China overtook the catalysis, drug delivery, and technologies on the environment. Nanotechnology’s contribution pharmaceutical sectors, according should go. US in 2018, to become not only the optoelectronics, and energy They urged the need for industry, to the world’s economy is expected to the 2016 Global Sustainable Nanoscience output, according to largest producer of nanotechnology storage, many of which were also market and governmental forces to exceed USD 125 billion by Development Report 1. data from Dimensions, has grown research, but also of high-quality popular applications, according to work together to promote 20243 . With the integration with Nanoscience and technology by more than 130-fold in the last 30 nanotechnology research as to patent data. the development of green AI technology, opportunities could contribute to achieving years. The fastest growth in the field, measured by the Nature Index. We interviewed experts about nanotechnology. They also noted for nanotechnology are further SDGs on safe drinking water; a CAGR of 27%, was seen between Accordingly, more than half the the current state of their fields and that appropriate legal regulations expanding. It could play an strengthening food security; health; 2000 and 2010, driven by important top 10 producers of high-quality existing challenges. Goals included, need to be developed to keep up important role in sustainable environmental protection; energy breakthroughs, such as the growth of nanotechnology research are Chinese creating nanodevices capable of with new advances, such as smart agriculture, smart cities, and digital storage, production, and conversion; crystalline semiconductor nanowires, institutions, with the Chinese meeting the increasing demand nanomedical technologies. living. With cautious management and manufacturing, according to the invention of electronic ink, and Academy of Science (CAS) producing for high-performance computing China, a nanotechnology leader, of its development, nanotechnology Michiko Enomoto, the head of the the isolation of graphene sheets. the largest amount of high-quality and data storage; the development thanks to strategic planning can be harnessed to change lives Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer Publication data also reveals that nanotechnology articles as measured of ‘green’ nanomaterials; the and sustained funding from the and improve the environment. n of Technology of the United Nations nanoscience is becoming increasingly by the Nature Index. production of nanomaterials in government, will no doubt be a 1. See https://sustainabledevelopment. Economic and Social Commission for interdisciplinary. Nanoscience Looking closer at nanomaterials commercially viable amounts; significant contributor. Interviewed un.org/content/ Asia and the Pacific2 . output contributes to publications using Springer Nature’s Nano converting waste carbon dioxide into experts mostly agreed that China documents/10789Chapter3_GSDR2016. pdf Some of the technologies and in many subject areas, extending database, we found that nanoparticles useful products; and studying the is already a leading contributor to 2. See her presentation slides at http://apctt. nanomaterials highlighted in beyond physical science fields like were the most popular nanostructure toxicity of nanodrugs, and educating nanotechnology research output, org/sites/default/files/Ms.%20Michi- the 2016 Global Sustainable chemistry and material sciences. studied, based on the number of the public about them. More broadly, either in synthesis of nanomaterials, ko%20Enomoto.pdf 3. See https://www.researchandmarkets. Development Report, such as The proportion of nanoscience in research articles, between 2010 and experts identified the need to development of nanoelectronic com/reports/4520812/global-nanotech- nanostructured solar cells, organic the total output of life sciences is 2018. Popular nanostructures in GETTY IMAGES LIBRARY/ PHOTO © KTSDESIGN/SCIENCE exercise a greater level of control over devices, nanomaterials for nology-market-by-component-and

18 | Scaling down for a bright future Scaling down for a bright future | 19 Appendix Methodology and Nature Index data National Center for Nanoscience and

This report uses both quantitative analysis and qualitative information to paint a picture of the current landscape of nanoscience Technology, China and technology research, highlighting its importance to the development of basic sciences and industrial applications. The quantitative analysis uses bibliographic data from Dimensions, Nature Index, and the Nano database developed by Digital Science and Springer Nature. Specifically, to examine the contribution to basic sciences by nanoscience and technology, a key The National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China (NCNST) was established word search using “nano” is applied to primary research articles published from 2012 to 2018 in the 82 high-quality science in 2003 by the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) and the Ministry of Education as an journals tracked by Nature Index. This resulted in 66,991 nano-related papers, defined as any articles that use “nano” in the institution dedicated to fundamental and applied research in the field of nanoscience abstract, title or full text of the article. and technology, especially those with important potential applications. Under the The journals included in the Nature Index are selected by a panel of active scientists, independent of Nature Research. The supervision of its governing board NCNST aims to become a world-class research centre, selected journals represent about 5% of journal articles in natural sciences, but account for close to 30% of total citations to natural as well as public technological platform and talent training centre, and to act as an science journals. The Nature Index categorizes journals into four broad research fields: chemistry, physical sciences, and life important bridge for international academic exchange and collaboration. sciences, and earth and environmental sciences. The NCNST has three CAS Key Laboratories: the CAS Key Laboratory for Biological This report follows the existing journal groups of Nature Index to categorize primary research articles in chemistry, physical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, the CAS Key Laboratory for Standardization sciences and life sciences. Journal titles covered in these three subject areas are listed below. Furthermore, all primary research & Measurement for Nanotechnology, and the CAS Key Laboratory for Nanosystem articles in Nature Materials, Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials and Macromolecules are defined as in material and Hierarchical Fabrication. Besides, there are three public platforms: Laboratory of sciences, along with selected articles in other journals tracked by Nature Index, using a set of field of research codes (FoRs). Note Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, Nanofabrication Laboratory, and Division that some articles can sit in more than one of the four broad research fields. of Nanotechnology Development. The NCNST has also co-founded 19 collaborative For the country comparison of nanoscience research output, Nature Index article count (AC) and fractional count (FC) are used. laboratories with Tsinghua University, Peking University, and CAS. AC is calculated where a count of one is assigned to an institution or country if one or more authors of the research article are from The NCNST has doctoral and postdoctoral education programmes in condensed matter that institution or country, regardless of how many co-authors there are from outside that institution or country; while FC takes physics, physical chemistry, materials science, and nanoscience and technology. By the into account the percentage of authors from that institution (or country) and the number of affiliated institutions per article. For end of 2018, 2,299 peer-reviewed papers were published, and a total of 1,230 patents calculation of the FC, all authors are considered to have contributed equally to the article. The maximum combined FC for any applied for, of which 568 have been authorized. In 2014, the International Evaluation article is 1. Committee lauded the significant achievements and outstanding contributions in Furthermore, qualitative data are collected from individual interviews with nanoscience experts from China and elsewhere for nanoscience, and remarked that NCNST had risen to a position of “by far the best in China”. insights about challenges and opportunities in the development of nanoscience and technology. Interviews were conducted by In 2018, the Nature Index showed that NCNST has become one of CAS’s top five institutes. phone or via email. In October 2015, CAS set up the Center for Excellence in Nanoscience (CAS-CENano) to accelerate the establishment of a new model for scientific research. It aims to gather Subjects Journals innovative talent, focus on the frontier of nanoscience, to achieve major breakthroughs and become an internationally renowned organization.

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