NANOTECHNOLOGY

We all have heard about micro technology and nano technology. We had seen various applications like nano tubes , nano batteries , nano sensors , nano tracers ... etc. But most of us are unaware of the essense of this technology. Let us understand it with basic details and applications.

Introduction to Nanotechnology:

Nano technology is the branch of science which deals with the manipulation and controlling of tiny particles i.e nano particles and nanomaterials. Nanoparticles refers to the tiny particles of size one nanometer(10^-9)m which cannot be seen through human eye.
Nanomaterials are the particles that have lengh between 1 and 100 nanometers. The term nanotechnology was coined in 1974 by Norio Taniguichi of Tokyo Science University to describe semiconductor processes that deal with control on the order of nanometer. Nanotechnology produces structures with superior characteristics which creates unique properties for nanodevices.Nanotechnology deals with individual atoms and molecules.

Nanotechnology basics:

Nanomaterials:


Nanomaterials are the particles that have lengh between 1 and 100 nanometers. Nanomaterials can improve the performance and functionality of digital devices and platforms. Nanomaterials can also enhance the data storage and processing capabilities of systems.


Nanotubes:



The carbon nanotubes were identified in 1991 by Iijima Sumio of Japan. A carbon nanotube is a tube-shaped material made up of carbon having a diameter ranging from 1 nm to 50 nm. Simply we can say, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylinders of one or more layers of graphene (lattice). Carbon nanotubes show a unique combination of stiffness, strength, and tenacity compared to other fibre materials.


Nanowires:


These are defined as the structures which have the diameters of the order of a nanometre and an unconstrained length. i.e., nanowires are much longer than their diameters. These are also called quantum wires because at this scale they have different quantum mechanical effects.


Nanocones:



Carbon nanocones are conical structures made from carbon and have atleast one-dimension of the order one micrometre or smaller. These are obtained from the wrapped graphene sheets. These are different from nanowires as nanocones have height and base diameter of the same order of magnitude.


Nanoclusters:


It is the grouping of a number of nanoparticles in a narrow size distribution having at least one-dimension between 1 and 10 nm. Simply, they are fine aggregates of atoms or molecules. Nano clusters contain a couple of hundred atoms but the larger aggregates may have more than 1000 atoms (called nanoparticles). The nano clusters are bridge between bulk materials and atomic or molecular structures.


Nanosensors:



A nano sensor is not necessarily a device reduced in size to a few nanometers but a device that makes use of the unique properties of nanoparticles and nanomaterials to detect and measure new types of events appeared in the nanoscale. However,there are no general rules about nanosensors with regards to their unique properties.

Benefits of Nanotechnology:

1. Nanotechnology gives the ability to create new materials and devices with unique properties and functions.


2. With the decrease in size, more atomsare located on the surface of the particle. Also, these particlescan be considered as nanocrystals and the atoms within the particle are perfectly ordered or crystalline.


3. Nano-materials are an essential part of the overall field of nanotechnology. They can be considered as the most important bridge between basic research and marketable products and processes.


4. Nanotechnology can increase the surface area of a material.



5. Nanoparticles often have their own physical and chemical properties that are very different from the same materials at larger scales. The properties of nanoparticles depend on their shape, size, surface characteristics and inner structure.


6. Nanoparticles can change in the presence of certain chemicals.


7. Self-replicating nanomachines that resemble the larger machines with which we are familiar can be built.


8. Recent major achievements include the ability to observe structure at its atomic level and measure the strength and hardness of microscopic and nanoscopic phases of composite materials.

Defects of Nanotechnology:

1. Nanotechnology increases air pollution which violates environment principles. Nanopollution is the nickname given to the waste created by the manufacturing of nanomaterials. Some forms of nanopollution are toxic.


2. One concern is that nanotechnology could go out of control if it is not correctly used.



3. Because of advances in science and technology, the need for human labor has significantly decreased.


4. Another issue is the unknown toxicity of materials to health. Materials can behave quite differently at the nanoscale to the way they do in bulk.


5. Although nanotechnology benefits medical, engineering, and material science disciplines, it is pricey due to the high cost of the raw materials needed to run the technology.


6. Many weapons made possible by nanotechnology are dangerous and susceptible to human error.

Applications:

Nanotechnology has various applications in vast fields and had promising results. Nanotechnology has changed the way of controlling the materials in the world.

Innovation:

An old material gets an exciting new life through nanoscale technologies. Natural carbon can exist in two very different types and is known to everyone: graphite and diamond. Three additional forms that were discovered between 1985 and 2004 carbon nanomaterials – fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and in particular graphene, often hyped as a 'wonder material' which were the result of nanotechnology.

Computing devices:

Nanotechnology has a significant impact on the electronics industry, particularly in the creation of semiconductors for computing devices. In most applications the nanomaterial will be fixed but for some applications free nanoparticles are used.

Electronics:

Nanotech has improved display screens on electronic devices. This involves reducing power consumption while decreasing the weight and thickness of the screens.

Energy:

In the energy sector, nanotechnology is being employed to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This includes the development of solar cells that convert more sunlight into electricity, the design of better batteries with higher storage capacity and environmentally-friendly fuel catalysts.

Medicine:

Nanotechnology has already started to revolutionize healthcare such as targeted drug delivery systems that send medicine directly to diseased cells. Nanoparticles are being used in imaging for improved diagnostics and surgical precision.

Manufacturing Industry:

In manufacturing, nanotechnology allows for precise, atomic-level control over material structures, leading to innovations in a wide range of industrial sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer products with enhanced properties.

Cosmetics Industry:

In the cosmetics industry, nanotechnology is used to enhance the properties and effectiveness of products. Nanoparticles, due to their small size, can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, improving the delivery of active ingredients. Nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are used in sunscreens for better protection against harmful UV rays.

Food Industry:

The food industry is using nanomaterials in both the packaging and agricultural sectors. A chemical nicknamed "bitter blocker," for instance, can trick the tongue into not tasting the naturally bitter taste of many foods.

Overall, Nanotechnology plays a vital role in modifying the world of small particles which led to the rise of new particles and decvices. Through this revolution we had created numerous applications and advanced in every aspect of our life.