*A lecture delivered at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of the Redeemer’s University of Nigeria, Sept 28, 2015 *Energy Crisis in Nigeria: Sustainable Option using Nanotechnology as the Way Forward Omowunmi “Wunmi” Sadik, PhD Professor of Chemistry Director of the Center for Advanced Sensors & Environmental Systems (CASE) Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Binghamton Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (FAIMBE) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) President & co-founder, Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) E-mail: [email protected]http://www.binghamton.edu/chemistry/people/sadik/sadik.html
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* A l e c t u r e d e l i v e r e d a t t h e 7 t h C o n v o c a t i o n C e r e m o n y o f t h e R e d e e m e r ’ s U n i v e r s i t y o f N i g e r i a , S e p t 2 8 , 2 0 1 5
*Energy Crisis in Nigeria: Sustainable Option using Nanotechnology
as the Way Forward
Omowunmi “Wunmi” Sadik, PhD Professor of Chemistry
Director of the Center for Advanced Sensors & Environmental Systems (CASE)
Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Binghamton
Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (FAIMBE)
Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) President & co-founder, Sustainable Nanotechnology
organic materials) that are thought to have potential utility in sensing, and in energy
generation and conversion.
Nanotechnology allows the engineering of materials from the elementary units of atoms
and molecules as if working with a Lego-kit. It also allows the creation of structures
measuring only one thousandth of the diameter of one strand of human hair using size
reduction. By controlling the size and shapes of a matter at the nanoscale levels, new
functionalities and properties are created.
A transition from atoms or molecules to a bulk form takes place in the nm scale. When
materials are in the micrometer scale, they exhibit the same properties as those of bulk
form. However when they transition to the nanometer scale, they tend to exhibit physical
properties that are distinctively different from that of bulk. For example, bulk gold does
not exhibit catalytic properties, but gold nanocrystals however exhibit an excellent low
temperature catalyst.
Engineered nanoparticles have varying sizes, shapes and morphology. In fact their
properties change as their size approaches the nanoscale and as the percentage of
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 17
atoms at the surface of a material becomes significant. For bulk materials larger than
one micrometer, the percentage of atoms at the surface is minuscule relative to the total
number of atoms of the material. Suspension of nanoparticles is possible because the
interaction of the particle surface with the solvent is strong enough to overcome
differences in density, which usually result in a material either sinking or floating in a
liquid.
Figure 5: The New York Times; Images courtesy of the Stained Glass Museum, Britain, February 21, 2005
Nanoparticles often have unexpected visible properties because they are small enough
to confine their electrons and produce quantum effects. For example gold nanoparticles
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 18
appear as deep red to black in solution. At the far end of the size scale, nanoparticles
appear as clusters, spheres, rods, and cups (see Figure 5).
Throughout the history of materials science, scientists have developed ways to
construct and design materials that, to the naked eye, appear to be continuous and
homogenous, but in reality there are several discontinuities always “hidden beneath the
radar”. These regions are always present regardless of the materials, and they often
have structural features in the nanometer range. These domains have existed since the
beginning of time, long before Feynman, Drexler and others began to use the term
“nanotechnology.” The differing behavior of various materials based on the methods of
preparation can often be explained by these unseen pockets of “order and disorder” at
the molecular level. Naming these phenomena did not create them or give them some
physical reality that was absent before. What is unique is that we can now create
nanomaterials with intent and purpose: i.e we can control their structures and generate
novel properties that have not been previously observed. Take for example ancient
“stained-glass” makers, I bet that they knew that by putting varying amounts of tiny gold
and silver in the glass, they could produce the red and yellow found in those stained-
glass windows (see Figure 5). Nevertheless, nanotechnology has revolutionized this
science by transitioning us from the observation of unexplained phenomena to that of
purposeful and intentional design.
Nanotechnology is creating a range of discoveries in areas as diverse as medicine,
automotive, energy, agriculture, consumer products and even the entertainment
industry. The field of nanotechnology transcends sectoral boundaries, resulting in novel
applications of nanomaterials that promise revolutionary improvements in various fields.
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 19
The global nanotechnology industry reached an estimated $1.4 trillion USD in 2014,
becoming a major economic force in the 21st century. Engineered nanomaterials
(ENMs) are by far the largest segment of the nanotechnology market, accounting for
80% of all revenues. Meanwhile, the number of consumer products containing ENMs, is
growing at a similarly rapid pace, and it is expected to reach 10,000 by year 2020. Many
of these products are also finding their way into the traditional applications such as in
aerospace, appliance, automotive, building construction, cosmeceuticals, medical, and
food industries.
3.1 At the nanoscale, everything is changeable!
Unique properties of nanomaterials are attributed to the ratio of their large surface area-
to-volume. Moreover, below 50 nm, the laws of classical physics give way to quantum
effects, thus provoking different optical, electrical and magnetic behaviors. The unique
properties of these nanomaterials give them novel electrical, magnetic, catalytic,
thermal, mechanical, or imaging features that are highly desirable for applications in
energy generation, conversion, storage and others. Nanomaterials can hold
considerably more energy than the conventional because of their large grain boundary
(surface) area.
The only way to change the properties of bulk materials is to change their chemical
composition or structure. Pieces of gold in a coin possess fixed physico-chemical
properties such as temperature, density, or conductivity. All bulk forms of gold melt at
the same temperature and they have the same conductivity and density. However, for a
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 20
given nanomaterial, the properties are not fixed but are determined by the size, shape,
structure, or the orientation of the materials, but not their chemical composition. This is
one of the most important concepts of nanotechnology. The same material can display
radically different properties as the size and shape change.
Figure 6: (left) Colors of various sized monodispersed gold nanoparticles
(www.sigmaaldrich.com), Right (pure gold appears yellow)
Figure 7: Change in Color of Quantum Dot Nanoparticle Size with Size
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 21
For example bulk gold is a shiny yellow metal. Nanoscopic gold, i.e. clusters of gold
atoms measuring 1 nm across, appear as red (Figure 6). Bulk gold does not exhibit
catalytic properties. Gold nanocrystals have excellent low temperature. The properties
of a material vary with the size of the catalysts. Therefore, using nanotechnology, we
can control the processes that make up a nanoscopic material—hence we can control
the properties of the material. By classifying the structures of materials and identifying
the rules governing their behavior, the science of materials has advanced, or more
accurately continues to advance so that we are now at the point where we can craft
nanomaterials with more and more purpose and intent (John Warner, Personal
communication).
3.2 The Research Program of the Sadik lab
A core objective of my research program is to understand the mechanisms of the
transduction of chemical information at interfaces, and to use that knowledge in the
pursuit of innovative sensing technologies, functional materials and devices. The
interactions of polymer-nanoparticle are important in many areas of research; from
biosensors to microelectronics and photovoltaics. Therefore, it is necessary to develop
robust methods for creating advanced functional materials, which should be compatible
with applications in energy, biological systems and the environment. In my lab, we have
developed enabling technologies for constructing nanostructured materials for probing
the biological or environmental systems. These technologies vary from electrochemical
synthesis to phase inversion processes and photopolymerization. We have recently
found the use of phase inversion processes to develop new classes of nanostructured,
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 22
π-conjugated, poly (amic) acid membranes (PAA), in which the electrooptical properties
are controlled by the composition and processing conditions (Figure 8). These -
conjugated polymers have high electrical conductivity, redox properties, and extensive
applications, which range from batteries to light-emitting devices. These -conjugated,
one-dimensional semiconductor polymers have the advantage of being easy to develop
into large-area devices, and their energy gaps and ionization potentials can readily be
tuned by chemical modification of the polymer chains. We have encapsulated several
inorganic nanoparticles into -conjugated polymers. Such nanocomposites showed
various interesting characteristics, particularly in the study of dielectric properties,
energy storage, catalytic activity, and magnetic susceptibility.
Figure 8: Samples nanostructured membranes from the Sadik lab
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 23
Our laboratory has explored the phenomena that are occurring at the nanoscale levels,
to probe the fundamental synergistic properties between conducting PAA films and
sequestered nanoparticles. One of the working hypotheses was to modulate the
synergistic properties between the metal nanoparticles and the PAA. We explored two
common features— color change upon aggregation and surface Plasmon resonance
(SPR) enhancement. We then correlated these features to the electrochemical signals
that are generated.
Figure 9: PAA motifs facilitate the formation of nanoparticle-polymer cross-linking and coordination on the surfaces of flexible
membranes.
When excited near their Plasmon
resonance level, metal NPs have a
large absorption cross-section and they exhibit a fast electron-phonon relaxation time in
the picoseconds range, which make them very efficient light absorbers. As the particles
grow, the absorption band broadens to cover the visible range. As depicted for silver
nanoparticles in Figure 9, nano-sized nanoparticles have a high electron affinity and can
strip off electrons from the surrounding matrix. These charged particles are stabilized by
the PAA matrix and the repulsive forces between the charged particles prevent their
aggregation. We believe that a fundamental understanding of the new synergistic
properties that may arise from these studies can enable the development of plasmonic
devices.
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 24
3.3 Nanosensor System Developed from Our Laboratories
Sensors and sensor systems derived from arrays of nanostructured materials can
impact national security and the safety of emergency responders and criminal justice
personnel. A multifunctional, multi-parameter system based on nanotechnology can
provide information on biohazards and contaminants, toxic agents and gases, as well
as the presence of hazardous conditions such as fires, and even the health of
individuals. The combined set of information can be wirelessly transmitted via a web
of distributed sensor systems to form a comprehensive understanding of the
environment. The Sadik Group at SUNY-Binghamton has developed a portable, fully
autonomous, and remotely operated sensing device known as Ultra-Sensitive Portable
Capillary Sensor (U-PAC).
3.3.1 Description of U-PAC Biosensor Technology:
Currently, there are three prototypes of the U-PAC device. U-PAC-1 is a complete
battery operated, analytical tool that is packaged in a lightweight, portable carrying case
(Figure 10, inset left). It offers significant enhancement in sensitivity for bacterial toxin
detection, metals, proteins and genetic testing. The unit has been used for highly
selective and sensitive detection of biomolecules by means of optical fluorescence. The
UPAC-1 fluidics consisted of a peristaltic pump. The operator was required to manually
place the pump inlet tubing into the sample solution that will through the system. For the
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 25
U-PAC 2, (Figure 10 right) we constructed an automated fluidics system that could be
used to solve problems in biological system, energy and the environment. Our work has
repeatedly received recognition as having real impact and significant value for society.
In 2003 research was named by the United States Chronicles of Higher Education as
one of ten research projects across the world which could keep society safer.
In general, UPAC consists of auto sampling, laser source, power source, capillaries,
lens tube and detector packaged in a lightweight, portable carrying case (Figure 10,
left). In U-PAC-2, we have implemented both on-board data collection and wireless
communication to transmit the data. As shown in Figure 10, the capillary is illuminated
along its length by a diode laser, and any emission from the surface bound fluorophore
is guided through the wall of the capillary and collected at the distal end using a
compact photosensor module containing a photo-multiplier tube. The voltage output
from the photosensor module can be monitored via an onboard A/D converter and liquid
crystal display (LCD). It can also be exported to a computer or a PDA interface. Another
unique characteristic of the UPAC is the ability for programmed temperature control.
Multiple capillary analyses have also been accomplished with a motorized miniature
stage controlled by EZVS10 servo driver and are programmed to move each successive
capillary, stop at a specified time, move to the next capillary and return home. UPAC is
protected by 3 US patents and 2 patent applications.
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 26
Figure 10 (top left) Schematic of the UPAC-3 for cell culture and viability studies, (top right) prototype of UPAC_3, (bottom left) TM4 Cells Grown in 75 cm
2 Tissue Culture Flask (bottom right) TM4 Cells Grown in a poly-D-Lysine
(PDL) Coated Capillary. Sadik, et al. patents.
The rigid alignment of the optical components and the capillary-integrated closed
fluidics system can provide a durable setup for field use and can easily be adapted to
remote sensing applications. The system can also be adapted for multi-analyte
detection by the use of patterned capillaries or capillary arrays.
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 27
3.4 Clean Energy Production
Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs), particularly those utilizing ethanol as a fuel, have
attracted more attention as alternative energy source. Direct ethanol fuel cells can work
at low temperature, possess high theoretical mass energy density, and are
environmentally friendly. Ethanol Oxidation Reaction (EOR) can be operated both in
acidic or alkaline solutions. Fundamental studies of ethanol electro-oxidation in acidic
media have been mostly performed on platinum. On the other hand, palladium has been
less studied in acidic media due its relatively low performance.
PdNPs stabilized with PAA PdNPs without PAA
EDX confirms formation of PdNPs. C and Cu seen on EDS spectra
X-ray diffraction pattern shows crystalline particles were formed with uniform size & random size
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 28
distribution.
HRTEM of nanosilver with PAA: Particles are twinned with 5 fold symmetry.
PAA stabilized the nanoparticles while maintaining wettability
Figure 11: Characterization of Nanostructured PAA using High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS).
3.5 Clean Energy from Wastes using "Sustainable Harvesting and
AdaPtive Energy Reduction“ (SHAPER) system
Technologies that are capable of efficiently harvesting, managing, and using energy
without damaging the environment or depleting our resources are essential for a
sustainable future. At the Center for Advanced Sensors & Envronmental Systems in
Binghamton, we are developing the SHAPER system for Clean Energy from Wastes.
Wastewater treatment is a critical part of environmental protection. It is also an energy-
intensive industry. In the United States, nearly 3% of the total electricity supply is
consumed by Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs), and approximately 30% of
WWTP‘s operating budgets are dedicated to electricity consumption. According to the
New York Department of Environmental Conservation, wastewater infrastructure will
require an investment of about $70 billion over the next 20 years. New York State
currently has 702 WWTPs, producing 3,700 million gallons per day (MGD). Out of
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 29
these, 145 WWTPS have anaerobic digestors that produce 2,442 MGD. These
anaerobic digestors could potentially be used to produce renewable clean energy. With
increasing energy costs and an emphasis on sustainability, the objective of this work is
to develop sustainable energy harvesting from WWTPs, anaerobic digestors and other
environmental wastes . If time permits, I will discuss more on the SHAPER project,
which combines novel MFC designs, new electrode materials, wireless sensor networks
as well as smart, energy-efficient strategies to monitor the real-time status of the entire
WWTP.
The SHAPER system has the potential to generate clean energy from waste
while reducing the total energy requirements in WWTPs and other water resources. We
are exploring a new route to oxidize ethanol for clean energy production using π-
conjugated PAA in which the three-dimensional electrocatalytic properties are controlled
by the composition and processing conditions. An efficient electrode for a fuel cell must
be conductive, hydrophobic, requires high surface areas and high porosity to enable
mass transport of H+ and it must be corrosion-resistant. Typical supporting materials
used in fuel cells include carbon nanotubes, carbon black, activated carbon,
mesoporous carbon and more porous carbon are being considered e.g. graphene.
While nanotubes are promising, it remains difficult to successfully load these sorts of
supports with novel catalyst. Therefore, it is necessary to develop robust electrode
materials, which should be compatible with the metal ions precursors for making
nanoparticles.
Figure 12 illustrates the vision of SHAPER for harvesting energy from sustainable,
renewable sources while making efficient use of energy usage in WWTPs. SHAPER
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 30
exploits the processes already occurring in a waste water facility to harvest energy by
abundant bacterial colonies consuming and breaking down the chemical ingredients in
the waste water. The long-term goal is to use a Wireless Sensor Network to monitor the
real-time status of the entire WWTP, and to develop smart, energy-efficient strategies.
This project should make energy usage more compatible with intermittent sources such
as wind and solar. Ultimately, SHAPER system will improve energy efficiency, reduce
carbon footprints, and reduce operating costs during peak grid loads, potentially saving
~ 40% of the electric cost for WWTPs.
Figure 12: Vision of SHAPER system. MFCs convert chemicals in the waste water into electrical energy, while ultra-low-power micro-controller provides a means of performing real-time and adaptive processing of the sensor signals. This design achieves sustainable monitoring and control of wastewater treatment
with minimal impact to existing infrastructure.
4.0 Applications of Nanotechnology for Energy Sufficiency
Nanotechnology is an enabling technology that can provide significant improvements to
the development of both conventional and renewable energy sources.
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 31
Nanotechnologies will play a major role in solar energy through photovoltaic systems.
Nanotechnology innovations on each part of the energy sector, can lead to significant
energy efficiency. These include energy sources (fossil fuels, renewables), energy
change (gas turbines, fuel cells, combustion engine), energy distribution (power
transmission, smart grids, heat transfer), energy storage (chemical, electrical and
thermal) and energy usage (lightning, industrial processes, thermal insulation and air
conditioning).
A multidisciplinary engineering team at the University of California in San Diego has
developed a new nanoparticle-based material for concentrating solar power plants
designed to absorb and convert more than 90 percent of the sunlight it captures into
heat. The new material can also withstand temperatures greater than 700°C and survive
many years outdoors in spite of exposure to air and humidity. By contrast, current solar
absorber material functions at lower temperatures, and that needs to be overhauled
almost every year for high temperature operations.
Concentrating solar power (CSP) is an emerging alternative clean energy market that
produces approximately 3.5 gigawatts worth of power at power plants around the
globe—enough to power more than 2 million homes, with additional construction in
progress to provide as much as 20 gigawatts of power in the coming years. One of the
CSP technology's attractions is that it can be used to retrofit existing power plants that
use coal or fossil fuels because it uses the same process to generate electricity from
steam.
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 32
Figure 13: Energy losses from burning 100kJ of gasoline (G. Chen, MIT) and application
of nanotechnology recovery. 10% energy conversion efficiency using nanomaterials
leads to 26% efficiency.
The US NNI has outlined nano-engineered materials in different energy sectors
(http://www.nano.gov/NSISolar ). Examples include automotive products and high-
power rechargeable battery systems, thermoelectric materials for temperature control,
lower-rolling-resistance tires, high-efficiency/low-cost sensors and electronics, thin-film
smart solar panels, and fuel additives, as well as improved catalytic converters for
cleaner exhaust and extended range.
The difficulty of meeting the world’s energy demand is compounded by the growing
need to protect our environment. Many scientists are looking into ways to develop
clean, affordable, and renewable energy sources, along with how to reduce energy
consumption and lessen the burden of toxicity on the environment.
Gasoline 100 kJ
10kJ 30kJ 35kJ
Parasitic heat losses Coolant Exhaust
9kJ
10kJ
6kJ Auxiliary
Driving
Mechanical losses
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 33
• Prototype solar panels incorporating nanotechnology are more efficient than
standard designs in converting sunlight to electricity (Figure 14-16). This is a
promising and inexpensive solar power for the future. Nanostructured solar cells
are already cheaper to manufacture and easier to install, since they can use
print-like manufacturing processes and can be made into flexible rolls rather than
discrete panels. Newer research suggests that future solar converters might even
be “paintable.”
Figure 14: Nanotechnology for Energy Applications: solid state lightning, solar cells and batteries (Image courtesy of Dr. Celia Merzbacher, VP for Innovative Partnerships Semiconductor Research Corporation
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 34
• Nanotechnology is improving the efficiency of fuel production from normal and
low-grade raw petroleum materials through better catalysis, as well as fuel
consumption efficiency in vehicles and power plants through higher-efficiency
combustion engines that reduce internal friction.(Figure 14-16)
• Nano-bioengineering of enzymes is aiming to enable conversion of cellulose into
ethanol for fuel, from wood chips, corn stalks (not just the kernels, as it is today),
unfertilized perennial grasses, etc.
• Nanotechnology is already being used in several new types of batteries that are
less flammable, quicker-charging, more efficient, lighter weight, and that have
higher power density and hold electrical charge longer. One new lithium-ion
battery type uses a common, nontoxic virus in an environmentally benign
production process.
Figure 15: New solar panel films incorporate nanoparticles to create lightweight, flexible solar cells. (Images courtesy of Nanosys and Hessen)
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 35
• Nanostructured materials are being pursued to greatly improve hydrogen
membrane and storage materials and the catalysts needed to realize fuel cells
for alternative transportation technologies at reduced cost. Researchers are also
working to develop a safe, lightweight hydrogen fuel tank.
• Various nanoscience-based options are being pursued to convert wasted heat
generated in computers, automobiles, homes, power plants, etc., into usable
electrical power.
• An epoxy containing carbon nanotubes is being used to make windmill blades
that are longer, stronger, and lighter-weight than other blades to increase the
amount of electricity that windmills can generate.
• Researchers are developing wires containing carbon nanotubes to have much
lower resistance than the high-tension wires currently used for the electric grid
and thus to reduce losses in the transmission lines.
• To power mobile electronic devices, researchers are developing thin-film solar
electric panels that can be fitted onto computer cases and flexible piezoelectric
nanowires woven into clothing to generate usable energy on-the-go from light,
friction, and/or body heat.
• Energy efficiency products are increasing in number and types of application. In
addition to those noted above, others include more efficient lighting systems for
vastly reduced energy consumption for illumination; lighter and stronger vehicle
chassis materials for the transportation sector; lower energy consumption in
advanced electronics; low-friction nano-engineered lubricants for all types of
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 36
higher-efficiency machine gears, pumps, and fans; light-responsive smart
coatings for glass to complement alternative heating/cooling schemes; and high-
light-intensity, fast-recharging lanterns for emergency crews.
5.0 The way forward: technical, environmental, economic, social, and
policy dimensions
The Nigerian economy has become too dependent upon petroleum. Making Nigeria
energy sufficient should be one of the priorities of the new democratically-elected
government of President Muhammadu Buhari. If this could be solved, it could be the
main legacy of the President’s tenure. Alternative, renewable and sustainable solutions
must be found. Sustainable development has been defined as the balance of economic
success, environmental protection, and social responsibility. Dimensions of
sustainability includes technical (knowledge and safe development of technology),
mainland Electronic Wind Information disk (available
Biomass Fuelwood 11 million hectares of forest and woodland
Animal Waste 245 million assorted in 2001
Energy Crops and Agricultural Residue
72 million hectares of agricultural land
Sources: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) 2007; Renewable Energy Masterplan (REMP) 2005; Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (2008)
Nigerian electricity demand is growing exponentially; it is desirable to diversify the
domestic energy mix away from ever-increasing consumption of petroleum products in
order to avert any possible conflict between domestic and export requirements.
Considerations should be given to a mixture of solar, wind, nuclear and biomass sectors
(Table 1). The nation lies within a high sunshine belt and solar radiation is well-
distributed. Nanotechnology can contribute decisively to the optimization of wind, solar
and biomass utilization. There is an urgent need to develop small hydropower plants to
provide electricity for the rural areas and remote settlements.
In Nigeria, hydropower generation accounts for a substantial part of the total electricity
generation mix and the capacity of existing hydropower is still underutilized. Biomass is
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 38
a renewable energy source. Currently not yet competitive, biomass could contribute to
future energy mix especially if alternative raw material sources are employed (e.g.
algae, domestic waste, or lignocellulose-containing residual products such as stray and
grass).
In order to implement nanotechnology innovations in the energy sector, the
macroeconomic and social context must be considered. The design of a future energy
system requires long-term investment in research activities based on realistic potential
assessment and careful adaptation of the individual supply chain components (Figure
16).
To facilitate immediate practical implementation of nanotechnological innovations in
Nigeria, an interbranch and interdisciplinary dialog with all players involved will be
required.
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 39
Figure 16: Implementation Framework for Renewable and Nanotechnological Innovation in the Energy Sector
5.1 Implementation Framework As noted earlier, the Nigerian government plans to create 40 gigawatts (GW) of
electricity capacity by 2020 compared to the 2009 installed capacity of 6 GW. To active
this goal, the following steps should be emphasized:
1. Institutionalize the Energy Sufficiency and Nanotechnology Innovations: To
meet the goal of domestic electricity generation, the Nigerian government must
institutionalize electricity generation, distribution, usage and application of innovative
technologies. This is the standard model that has been adopted in the highlight
industrialized nations. For any new technology to be truly sustainable, for example, the
previously developing fields of biomedical engineering, computer science, or polymer
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 40
engineering, it must be institutionalized within the academic structure through
departments and trained faculty.
Figure 17: Current Government Agencies Connected with Energy generation in Nigeria. Source: Nigerian Energy Commission.
Figure 17 shows the current government agencies that are connected with energy
generation. These institutions must be consolidated for the very purpose of (i) Reducing
dependence on fossil fuels use per kWh of electricity by 2020; (ii) Diversifying the
energy mix by including solar, wind, and biomass, (iii) reducing absolute pollution,
desertification and environmental degradation by 2030 and increasing energy
sufficiency by 2030.
Renewable energy and nanotechnology must become a defined academic discipline,
practiced with different emphases at different institutions, but nevertheless a segment of
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 41
the organization. Then sustainable and renewable energy and nanotechnology
innovations can be advanced and practiced within this structure.
2) Implement research & development milestones to ensure that Nigeria
maintains the energy-efficiency goal for next 5-10 years. No nation can become
energy sufficient without research and development.
3) Integrate nanotechnology innovations within the current infrastructure. While
updating or replacing the existing energy infrastructure would be prohibitively difficult
and costly to support a systematic integration of nanotechnology, networks of sensors
are more suitable for immediate and long-term energy solutions. As a practical solution
that incurs very low cost that can be implemented within a short time, it is predictable
that diversity in energy mix can be employed to meet the energy challenges.
Perhaps the first level of implementation is to call the Energy planning and policy
implementation conference to discuss the issues and to proffer solutions. Among other
points (Figure 16), the following step should be emphasized:
• Diversity in the domestic energy mix
• Dialog between individual sectors of the energy sector (Figure 17)
• Invest in Research & Development
• Increase capacity of existing refineries
• Extend the national grid
The first level of consideration should be the update and implementation of the National
Energy Policy of 2003. According to this report, the policy should be implemented at
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 42
four levels: National Level, should involve macro-planning and policy implementation as
part of the multi-sectoral national development policies and plans which are the
responsibilities of the National Planning Commission. At the Sectoral Level, they should
involve overall sectoral planning, monitoring and co-ordination of policy implementation
for the energy sector, in all its ramifications. The institutionalized function will ensure the
consistency of the sub-sectoral energy policies and the implementation of the latter is in
accordance with provisions. At the Sub-sectoral Level, more specific sub-sectoral
planning and policy implementation for the development, exploitation and utilization of
the particular energy resources are carried out in the various energy sub-sectors,
namely oil and gas, electricity, solid minerals, etc. These should involve the Ministries of
Petroleum Resources, Power and Steel, Solid Minerals, and others respectively. Other
energy utilization subsectors such as transport, industry, agriculture, as well as research
and development, are also relevant. Finally, at the Operational Level, activities should
involve the execution of the policies and plans developed at the sub-sectoral level by
operational establishments such as the NNPC, NEPA, Nigerian Coal Corporation,
Nigerian Energy Commission and other public and private entities.
6.0 Conclusion
Despite its large oil and natural reserves, approximately 76 million people in Nigeria are
without access to electricity. This lecture has discussed the energy crisis in Nigeria and
asserts that alternative, renewable and sustainable solutions must be found. Nigeria has
Sadik, Redeemer’s University Convocation Lecture, September 28, 2015 Page 43
a number of renewable energy sources that could be fully exploited to achieve
sustainable energy development. Nanotechnology can contribute decisively to the
optimization of renewable energy derived from wind, solar and biomass resources. The
proposed dimensions of sustainability includes technical (knowledge and safe
development of technology), environmental (clean, renewable, biodiverse, stable
climate), economic (materials, water, energy, food, overall efficient), social (population
growth and needs, governance, enduring democracy), and sustainability of the planet.
Acknowledgements Professor Sadik acknowledges the US National Science Foundation (US-NSF), US-Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), National Research Laboratory (NRL), Defense Threat reduction Agency (DTRA), US-Army Research Office (ARO), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), National Institute of Standards & Testing (NIST) and New York State Great Lakes Protection Fund. Also acknowledged are the contributions of members of the Sadik research group at the State University of New York at Binghamton (past and present). Sadik laboratory collaborators and CASE colleagues are also acknowledged, including Professors Yu Chen, Sean Choi, Chris Twigg, Lijun Yi, Paul Blythe, and Shiqiong Tong. Others include Professors Magdalena Parlinska & Andrzej Kowal in the Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland.
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