Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials cover the most intriguing aspects of new technologies, with applications ranging from nanoelectronics to nanomedicine, including nanosensors and nanocatalysts, to cite few examples. 

Many fields of science are utilizing nanomaterials to face new technological problems or to obtain materials with new properties. 

Nevertheless, the most difficult challenges have yet to be faced: the development of materials for ordinary use in extraterrestrial environments. This arising need is due to the increase in the field of space exploration and activity. Indeed, all the main space agencies are working on very intriguing projects with colonisation of the Moon and Mars as final goals. 

Nevertheless, the realization of these ambitious goals has to consider important problems related to the use of conventional materials in unconventional environments, where these materials are subjected to particular chemical and physical stresses due to the presence of low gravity, solar wind, and cosmic rays (ionizing radiations and/or high-energy ions). 

In this landscape, this Special Issue aims to collect research articles as well as communications and reviews regarding the synthesis and/or applications of nanomaterials that can be potentially used in extraterrestrial environments such as in low-orbit stations or stable structures on the Moon and/or Mars. 

In particular, articles regarding nanomaterials suitable for functional (i.e., sensing, energy, catalysis, etc.) and/or structural (i.e., shielding spacecraft, crew, or electronic devices) applications in outer space conditions are welcome.  

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Nanomaterials useful to shield electronic devices from spatial interferences, as an example, generated from solar explosions;
• Nanomaterials to brake high-energy ions;
• Nanomaterials to improve the performance of astronaut suits (i.e., new nanomaterials acting against space suit tissue laceration);
• Nanomaterials suitable to reduce the effects of ionizing radiations (UVB and C radiations, X- and g-rays);
• Nanomaterials with low gas, vapour, and/or moisture permeability for applications in high-vacuum environments;
• Self-healing nanomaterials;
• Nanomaterials for pollutants sensing in indoor extraterrestrial environments;
• Nanomaterials for depollution in space station conditions;
• Nanomaterials for energy production;
• Theoretical studies of the interaction of nanomaterials with high-energy radiations and/or ions;
• Nanomaterials as sensors for pressure, high-energy radiation, or high-energy ions;
• Nanomaterials for propulsion systems;
• Soft nanomaterials in low gravity;
• Thought experiments in the topics of the Special Issue and/or in low gravity;
• Theory, simulation, and design of nanomaterials for extraterrestrial environments.

Prof. Dr. Placido Mineo
Guest Editors

Dr. Angelo Nicosia 
Guest Editor Assistant

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