Write up about the Conference
The 4th Thailand International Nanotechnology Conference (NanoThailand 2014) under the theme of “Nanotechnology for Better Living” is the largest international nanotechnology conference and exhibition in Thailand. It provided a unique opportunity for the world’s leading experts to get together for technical discussion and sharing in all areas of nanotechnology research and development.
With an annual attendance of over 300 scientists, professors, students, and private sector groups, NanoThailand conference is becoming known in international conference in the field of nanotechnology covering 12 nanotechnology topics: Manufacturing and Industrial, Nanomaterials, Nanobiology, Nano-instrument, Nano-medicine and Drug Delivery, Nanotechnology in Human Health, Nano-electronics and Nanosystems, Nanosensor, Nanoapproach for Green Technology, Theory and Simulation Related Nanosystem, Nano-characterization and Imaging, Nanotechnology for Energy and Environment.
The Co-organizers for the conference are the Nanotechnology Association of Thailand and Mahidol University with support from National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) a member of National Science and Technology Development Agency. In addition, we received valuable contributions and input from scientific communities both within Thailand and overseas.
Feedback on paper presented
I delivered my paper by oral presentation in one of the parallel sessions. Only one queston was asked about the recoverability of the sensor: “Does the analyte (methane gas) degrade the ZnO film sensor? Can you resuse it.?” My answer: “After several trials, I got almost the same results. The film does not get degrade because the film’s interacton with the gas is more Electrical in nature and there is no chemical reaction that changes the film during usage. Although, on the economic point of view, there should be a reasonable limit on the number of times you can use it, so that clients will have to buy replacement sensors.”
Future directions of research presented
The paper was based on results of an on-going project funded by DOST-PCIERRD. It focused on detection of butane/propane gas using ZnO film sensor. The next phase of the project is focused on methane. It will be followed by bench scale production of ZnO handheld sensor for methane gas detection and measurement, and then commercialization.
Potential foreign collaborators
As a result of my attendance to the conference, a Thai scientist expressed his interest and willingness to collaborate with the author on another sensor-based project. The collaboration includes opportunity for training in a Thailand laboratory with facilities for sensor fabrication, as well as possible visit of the Thai scientist to UP.
Other important contacts and insights
I was updated with recent developments and research work of scientists from Thailand and Japan, especially in the fields of material science, nanomaterials fabrication, characterization, and applicatons, through the plenary talks, invited talks, oral and poster presentations. I learned/discovered other methods and techniques that I can use in my own research activities. I could say my work is not really behind, but quite at par with other ASEAN scientists, thanks to the generous research grants from agencies like PCIERRD, and from the University of the Philippines.
Short write-up of one’s participation (to be used to feature/publicize the grantee’s participation in the conference)
I delivered a paper by oral presentation in on a parallel session in the topic of nanosensors. This was an opportunity to present to international scientists what we are doing in our own laboratories in the Philippines in the field of nanotechnology. It was also an opportunity to be updated with recent developments and research work of scientists from Thailand and other ASEAN countries, especially in the fields of material science, nanomaterials fabrication, characterization, and applicatons, through the plenary talks, invited talks, oral and poster presentations. I learned/discovered other methods and techniques that I can use in my own research activities. I could say my work is not really behind, but quite at par with other ASEAN scientists, thanks to the generous research grants from agencies like PCIERRD, and from the University of the Philippines.
