Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials

Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials

• The term "nano" originates from the Greek word "nanos," meaning "dwarf" or "extremely small".
• In scientific and technological contexts, "nano" signifies one-billionth of a unit, represented by the metric prefix "n".
• "Nano" represents 10^-9, or one-billionth of a unit.
• A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter (m) and is used to measure atomic and molecular structures.

Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology

• Nanomaterials possess attractive properties and significant technological potential.
• These materials can be classified into metals, ceramics, polymers, or composites.
• Nanotechnology involves the design, fabrication, and utilization of materials, structures, and devices with dimensions less than 100 nanometers.

Engineered Nanomaterials

• Engineered nanomaterials are meticulously designed and produced at the nanometer scale.
• They are typically between 1 and 100 nanometers in size.
• The unique properties of nanomaterials stem from their minuscule size, high surface area-to-volume ratio, and significant quantum effects.
• Applications of engineered nanomaterials span various fields, ranging from medicine and electronics to environmental protection and energy storage.

Types of Engineered Nanomaterials: Nanoparticles

• Nanoparticles are tiny particles, ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size.
• They are often undetectable by the human eye.
• Nanoparticles exhibit remarkably different physical and chemical properties compared to their larger counterparts.
• Examples of nanoparticle properties include magnetism, optical, mechanical, thermal, and crystal structure.
• Applications encompass medicine, industry, consumer products, agriculture, and food processing.

Types of Engineered Nanomaterials: Nanotubes

• Nanotubes resemble tiny tubes, typically measuring 3 to 30 nanometers in outer diameter.
• Properties include electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, chemical stability, electron emission, energy storage, biomedical applications, water purification, and catalyst support.
• Applications span electronics, computing, energy storage, medical applications, materials science, environmental applications, and aerospace/defense.

Types of Engineered Nanomaterials: Nanowires

• Nanowires are nanostructures with diameters smaller than tens of nanometers and unconstrained lengths.
• They are either metallic or semiconducting.
• Features include unique electrical, optical, thermal, and magnetic properties due to their nanoscale dimension.
• They exhibit high surface-to-volume ratio and low defect density. Applications include sensing, electronics, energy storage, biomedicine, photonics, quantum computing, and manufacturing.

Types of Engineered Nanomaterials: Nanosheets

• Nanosheets are two-dimensional nanostructures, with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers.
• Nanosheets are composed of atomic hybridization forming unique chemical bonds leading to a lamellar structure.
• Properties include structural integrity, mechanical strength, large surface area, optical transparency, tunable thickness, and electronic properties.
• Applications lie in biomedicine, electronics, sensing, wearable sensors, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and anti-fouling coatings.

Types of Engineered Nanomaterials: Nanocapsules and Nano Carriers

• Nanocapsules are nanocarriers designed to transport drugs, enzymes, and other biomolecules.
• Key properties encompass size, composition, drug delivery, controlled release, biocompatibility, encapsulation efficiency, topical application, drug targeting, and ease of preparation.
• Applications range across pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agriculture.

Types of Engineered Nanomaterials: Quantum Dots

• Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals, typically ranging in size from a few nanometers.
• They showcase unique optical and electronic properties.
• Optical properties, like color emission, are highly dependent on their precise size.
• Applications span biomedical imaging, electronics and energy, food science, photovoltaics, catalysis, light-emitting diodes, photoconductors, and photodetectors.

Properties of Engineered Nanomaterials

• High surface area-to-volume ratio
• Quantum effects
• Enhanced mechanical properties
• Tailorable properties

Applications of Engineered Nanomaterials in Medicine

• Drug Delivery: Nanomaterials can specifically target cells or tissues, improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects.
• Imaging and Diagnostics: Quantum dots and other nanomaterials are crucial for high-resolution imaging and diagnostic assays.

Applications of Engineered Nanomaterials in Electronics

• Transistors and Sensors: Nanowires and nanotubes are used to create smaller, more efficient electronic components.
• Displays: Nanomaterials improve color resolution and energy efficiency in display technologies.

Applications of Engineered Nanomaterials in Energy

• Solar Cells: Nanomaterials enhance light absorption and charge transport, improving photovoltaic cell efficiency.
• Batteries and Supercapacitors: Nanomaterials boost the capacity and performance of energy storage devices.

Applications of Engineered Nanomaterials in Environmental Protection

• Catalysis: Nanocatalysts are used to accelerate chemical reactions. They aid in environmental remediation.
• Water Treatment: Nanomaterials can remove pollutants from water through adsorption, filtration and photocatalysis.

Applications of Engineered Nanomaterials in Materials Science

• Composite Materials: Nanomaterials strengthen or modify the properties of composites in applications such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

Explore the fascinating world of nanotechnology and nanomaterials, where the extremely small scales of materials bring remarkable properties and applications. This quiz covers the basics of what nano means, the types of nanomaterials, and the significance of engineered nanomaterials in technology. Test your understanding and knowledge of this innovative field!