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nanotimes Content | Editor‘s Letter Content Dear Readers,

Alignment of Gold Nanorods (76) Watchlist

Solar Cells I – Organic Solar Cells Solar Cells II – 21.4% Efficiency Mercedes-Benz: NANOSLIDE Companies

News in Brief EU-Projects

Reports Events 2011/2012 Cartoon Corner Trends | Quotes Imprint 06 – 07 08 – 09 10 – 11 12 – 13 14 – 51

52 – 87 88 – 91

92 – 93 94 – 99

100 101–103 103

I am ambivalent about critical environmental as- sociations [NGOs]. On the one hand, society and industry need a critical public, especially in the nanotech field. On the other hand, I am wonde- ring what interests many NGOs truly represent. Some environmental activists with their partially anti-industry and anti-job remarks rather seem

In the latest Aug-11 edition news in the cleantech sector predominate. Here are a few examples: Belgian researchers presented an organic poly- mer-based single junction solar cell with 6.9% performance in an innovative inverted device stack [page 8]; German Fraunhofer researchers achieved a solar cell efficiency of 21.4% using an industrially feasible galvanic processes and expen- sive silver has been replaced, mostly by copper [page 10].

I find it very exciting to see a robot flying like a seagull - presented by the German engineering firm Festo [page 26]. The first applications in mili- tary and security areas of the so called SmartBird are amazing and should guarantee good sales.

Please see the news on environment and nano- technology [page 87]: The German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) released its report, which makes recommendations for a “responsible and precautionary development” of nanotechnology.

11-08 :: August 2011

Editor‘s Letter