MyUSTINET News: Nanotech May Help Natural Gas Industry

LARAMIE, Wyo., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say nanotechnology could revolutionize the natural gas industry, from its extraction methods to pollution reduction.

SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Saeid Mokhatab and Brian Towler of the University of Wyoming suggest nanotechnology could help extract more fuel and feedstock hydrocarbons from dwindling resources. However, they caution, industry inertia and a lack of awareness of the benefits of nanotechnology might result only in a missed opportunity.

Mokhatab and Towler said nanomaterials, such as nanotubes, might be used to improve the efficiency of extraction of a wide variety of hydrocarbon fuel compounds and chemical feedstocks. Similarly, they said related nanomaterials might be used to improve purification and storage of hydrocarbons, as well as in environmental remediation, allowing contaminated sites to be cleaned of harmful pollutants.

"The past decade has seen explosive growth worldwide in the synthesis and study of a wide range of nanostructured materials, the building blocks of nanotechnology", they said. "Investigations of mechanical, chemical, electrical, magnetic and optical behavior of nanostructured materials have demonstrated the possibilities to engineer the properties of these new materials for a wide range of applications."

They report their study in the Journal of Nanotechnology.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Related News Topics:

	Print This Story
	Email This Story

BREAKING STORIES

Officials: Boy Scout has bubonic plague

New regulations underscore Fed gathering

Jumping mouse leaps off endangered list

Western govs plan joint wildlife strategy

Group wants halt to elk feeding program

Air pollution in Wyo. community rivals that of big cities ¤

Beetle-ravaged forests prompt campground closures in Rockies

Sen. Mike Enzi to seek re-election

Grouse may rival owl's economic effect

Obama wins Wyoming caucuses

Obama Wins Wyo. Caucuses, 12 Delegates

Clinton, Obama to Face Off in Wyoming ¤

Clinton Lowers Expectations in Wyo.

Wyoming caucus in political spotlight

Subsidies Help Some Live in Resort Towns

Gray wolves thrive in West

Utah governor welcomes foreign nuke waste

Nanotech may help natural gas industry

Forest Service plans anti-beetle campaign

Iraq War Vet Describes Fatal Rock Toss