NANOTECHNOLOGY

DEFINITION• Nanotechnology is the study of

manipulating matter on an atomic scale.

• Nanotechnology refers to the constructing and engineering of the functional systems at

very micro level or we can say at atomic level.

• A Nanometer is one billionth of a meter, roughly the width of three or four atoms. The average human hair is about 25,000

nanometers wide.

HISTORY OF NANOTECHNOLOGY The first ever concept was presented in 1959 by the famous professor of physics

Dr. Richard P.Feynman. The term “Nano-technology" had been coined by Norio Taniguchi in 1974. In 1980 researchers reported the discovery of “Bucky Ball” a round molecule of

60 atoms of carbons. This led in turn to the 1991 discovery of a related molecular shape known as “Carbon Nanotubes”.

Carbon NanoTubes are molecular-scale tubes of graphitic carbon with outstanding properties.

NanoTechnology is seem to have greatest impact in our daily life. It had improved and helped in many field of science.

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS Larger to smaller: a materials perspective:- A number of physical phenomena

become pronounced as the size of the system decreases. Simple to complex: a molecular perspective:- Modern synthetic chemistry has

reached the point where it is possible to prepare small molecules to almost any structure.

Molecular nanotechnology: a long-term view:- Molecular nanotechnology, sometimes called molecular manufacturing, describes engineered nanosystems (nanoscale machines) operating on the molecular scale.

TYPESIt is an emerging field in all areas of science, engineering and technology. Some are as given.

• Nano-Material. . Nanobiotechnology.

• Nano-Electronic. . Nanofluidics.

• Nano-Robotics. . Nanohub.

• Molecular mechanics . Nanometrology.

• Nanoengineering . Nanoscale networks.

NANO MATERIALS The nanomaterials field includes subfields which develop or study

materials having unique properties arising from their nanoscale dimensions.

Interface and colloid science has given rise to many materials which may be useful in nanotechnology, such as carbon nanotubes and other fullerenes, and various nanoparticles and nanorods. Nanomaterials with fast ion transport are related also to nanoionics and nanoelectronics.

Nanoscale materials can also be used for bulk applications; most present commercial applications of nanotechnology are of this flavor.

Progress has been made in using these materials for medical applications; see Nanomedicine.

Nanoscale materials are sometimes used in solar cells which combats the cost of traditional Silicon solar cells

Development of applications incorporating semiconductor nanoparticles to be used in the next generation of products, such as display technology, lighting, solar cells and biological imaging; see quantum dots.

NANO ELECTRONICS Nanoelectronics is one of the major technologies of

Nanotechnology. It plays vital role in the field of engineering and electronics.

Nanoelectronics make use of scientific methods at atomic scale for developing the Nano machines. The main target is to reduce the size, risk factor and surface areas of the materials and molecules. Machines under nano electronic process undergoes the long range of manufacturing steps each with accurate molecular treatment.

The Nanotechnology field has been the subject of intense focus, particularly from the viewpoint of the electronics industry. The commitment is, no doubt, driven to a large measure by the current top-down methodologies for fabrication of silicon-based devices. This is implied in the next-generation approach towards manufacture of MEMS, microprocessors, optical switching and several other electronic components.

Nanotechnology is continually playing vital role to improve the capability of electronic products. The technology also made the devices very light making the product easy to carry or move and at the same time it has reduced the power requirement. Some Consumer Products which are using Nanotechnology:

Computer Hardware

Display Devices

Mobile & Communication Products

Audio Products

Camera & Films

The world market for nanoelectronics is expected to reach $507.6 billion by 2016.

NANO-ROBOTICSo A nanorobot is a tiny machine designed to perform a specific

task or tasks repeatedly and with precision at nanoscale dimensions, that is, dimensions of a few nanometer s (nm) or less, where 1 nm = 10 -9 meter

o They are nanodevices that will be used for the purpose of maintaining and protecting the human body against pathogens

o The joint use of nanoelectronics, photolithography, and new biomaterials provides a possible approach to manufacturing nanorobots for common medical applications, such as for surgical instrumentation, diagnosis and drug delivery.

o Potential applications for nanorobotics in medicine include early diagnosis and targeted drug-delivery for cancer.

APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY Nanomedicine. Nanobiotechnology. Green nanotechnology. Energy applications of nanotechnology. Industrial applications of nanotechnology. Potential applications of carbon nanotubes.

GREEN NANOTECHNOLOGYGreen nanotechnology has two goals:

I. Producing nanomaterials and products without harming the environment or human health.

II. Producing nano-products that provide solutions to environmental problems.

Current research:

1. One major project that is being worked on is the development of nanotechnology in solar cell.Solar cells are more efficient as they get tinier and solar energy is a renewable resource. The price per watt of solar energy is lower than one dollar.

2. Nanotechnology offers the potential of novel nanomaterials for the treatment of surface water, groundwater, wastewater, and other environmental materials contaminated by toxic metal ions, organic and inorganic solutes, and microorganisms.

NANO MEDICINES Nanomedicine is the medical application

of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has provided the

possibility of delivering drugs to specific cells using nanoparticles.

To treat breast cancer, non-small- cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer, is the nanoparticle albumin bound paclitaxel.

ENERGY APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY Reduction of energy consumption. Increasing the efficiency of energy production. Nuclear Accident Cleanup and Waste Storage.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION Nano foods:-On PEN's list are three foods:i. A brand of canola cooking oil called Canola Active Oil.ii. A tea called Nanotea.iii. A chocolate diet shake called Nanoceuticals Slim Shake Chocolate. Surfaces and coatings Textiles:-The use of engineered nanofibers already makes clothes water- and

stain-repellent or wrinkle-free. Cosmetics:-Titanium oxide nanoparticles have a comparable UV protection

property. Sports Aerospace and vehicle manufacturers:-Nanotechnology might thus help to

reduce the size of equipment and thereby decrease fuel-consumption required to get it airborne.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONMilitary:-(1)-Biological sensors.(2)-Communication method.(3)-Weapons.(4)-Medical system.

DISADVANTAGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY Included in the list of disadvantages of this science and its development is the

possible loss of jobs in the traditional farming and manufacturing industry. Atomic weapons can now be more accessible and made to be more powerful and

more destructive. These can also become more accessible with nanotechnology. Since these particles are very small, problems can actually arise from the

inhalation of these minute particles, much like the problems a person gets from inhaling minute asbestos particles.

Presently, nanotechnology is very expensive and developing it can cost you a lot of money. It is also pretty difficult to manufacture, which is probably why products made with nanotechnology are more expensive.

FUTURE OF NANOTECHNOLOGYNational Science and Technology Council (USA) claims that:

“Nanotechnology is an enabling technology that will change the nature of almost every human-made object in the next century.”

Aniruddha vashishtha