To select materials for release scenario and measurement methods evaluation in subsequent phases of the NanoRelease project, the Steering Committee (SC) compiled a comprehensive list of nanomaterials (NMs) based on professional experience, web searches, product knowledge, and inquiry to colleagues. The SC also listed known commercial applications, and simultaneously developed a set of prioritization criteria. Together, the materials and criteria were placed into a matrix to facilitate the selection / prioritization process.

Using a “multi-voting” approach, nanomaterials were ranked by each member of the SC during two rounds of evaluation of the draft list of nanomaterials. The results of each round of ranking were then discussed as a group, the list was refined, and SC members consulted with colleagues from their home institutions. At the conclusion of the ranking, the SC sorted the NMs into 3 tiers as shown below. Further discussion among SC members, including an expert workshop led to the selection of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nano-silver (n-Ag) to be the first NMs to carry forward to the next step of the project.

 

Tier 1

  • Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)
  • Nano-Silver (n-Ag)
  • Nano-Titanium dioxide (n-TiO2)
  • Nano-Silica dioxide (n-SiO2 / n-silica)

Tier 2

  • Nano-Copper (n-Cu)
  • Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)
  • Nano-clay (n-clay & organo-clay hybrids)
  • Nanocrystalline Cellulose

Tier 3

  • Nano-Zinc oxide (n-ZnO)
  • Nano-Aluminum oxide (n-Al2O3)
  • Nano-Cerium oxide (n-CeO2)
  • Quantum Dots (Q-Dots)
  • Carbon Black