Organizer: Kazue Kurihara
Format: Online, Evening
Abstract:
Colloid and Interface Science is at the core of a multitude of industrially important technologies, including e.g. formulation and molecular design of household products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food products, and in the function and processing of advanced technologies and materials; e.g. water purification, light-weight composites, gas separation, electric batteries, and more. Sustainability requires some changes in technology: for example, (1) what should we use as raw materials for products? (2) the energy consumption should be minimized, then, how? We would like to discuss how Colloid and Surface Science can contribute to a transformation towards the sustainable development on our planet, and to various goals of SDGs. The speakers will talk about the following topics, then we will have the panel discussion by accepting questions and comments from the audience. 1. Green and Sustainable Chemistry Approach: In order to achieve sustainable society, developments of more environmentally friendly substances, for example bio-based substances preferably from inedible parts, are desired to replace commonly used chemicals based on conventional synthetic compounds. Recent commercialization of efficient and effective surfactants from natural resources presents a good example. 2. Thin film membranes and microporous sorbents for water purification and carbon capture: Recently developed ultra- thin membranes and efficient microporous sorbents has big potential for various applications used to achieve SDGs: purification of water for everybody and capture of carbon dioxide at point sources and from the air. 3. Tribology Innovation: Energy loss due to friction in machines needs to be minimized. For example, air-conditioning and refrigerators only consume about quarter of the electricity in Japan. 30% of the energy loss of them is attributed to friction. Tribology innovation requires collaborative efforts among surface scientists, mechanical engineers and materials scientists. Based on examples presented, we will discuss green chemistry concept, new materials, and transformative research for innovation for SDGs.
Themes: Integrated Action for the SDGs