Nanotechnology: An Overview PDF

# Nanotechnology: An Overview ## Scenario You work for a firm that imports cosmetics and hygiene products. Many of these products use nanotechnology. As head of logistics, you were asked to find out more about what nanotechnology is and explain the basic concept to your colleagues. This article wi...

# Nanotechnology: An Overview ## Scenario You work for a firm that imports cosmetics and hygiene products. Many of these products use nanotechnology. As head of logistics, you were asked to find out more about what nanotechnology is and explain the basic concept to your colleagues. This article will provide you with the information you will need. ## 1. Title The title of the article contains two parts. The first part of the title shows the **general** topic and the second part shows the **specific** topic. ## 2. Introduction The metaphor in P1 illustrates that **manipulating atoms and molecules on a nanoscale is like building things with LEGO**. ## 3. How Big is Nano & From nanoscience to nanotechnology | Term | Definition | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Science** | It is the study of things in order to know more about them. | | **Electron microscope** | A powerful instrument that enlarges tiny images. | | **Technology** | It is the application of science in order to solve a problem. | | **Nanoscopic** | It describes something which is a billionth of a meter in size. | ## 4. New Meaning On the nanoscale, scientists are able to see molecules, such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. ## 5. Nanoscience vs Nanotechnology Nanoscience studies how things work at the nanoscale. Nanotechology uses this knowledge in science to create useful tools or products. ## 6. The Nanoscale The nanoscopic scale is sometimes marked as the point where the properties of a material **change**. At this scale, the atoms and molecules **behave** differently. Since many chemical and other physical reactions happen at the **surface** of a material, this exaggerates a nanoparticle’s properties. **Examples:** * Gold can become chemically active. * Carbon can become super hard in nanotubes. ## 7. Dominant Factor On the nanoscale, **ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCE** is the dominant factor. ## 8. AFMs, SPMs, and STMs AFMs, SPMs, and STMs are all types of **electron microscopes** that enable scientists to **see** and **manipulate** atoms on the nanoscale. ## 9. Nanotechnology Use Materials and products based on nanotechnology are already in use. ## 10. Carbon Nanotubes Carbon nanotubes are very strong due to their **dense structure** and how they bond together. ## 11. Moore's Law Moore’s Law describes the trend of increasing computing power, and nanotechnology helps make smaller and more efficient electronic components. ## 12. Natural Example *E. Coli bacteria use a tiny nanotech tail to move.* ## 13. Main Contributions to Nanotechnology * **Richard Feynman:** He came up with the concept that atom and molecules could be manipulated. * **Norio Taniguchi:** He coined the term "nanotechnology" for studying atoms and molecules at the nanoscale. * **Eric Drexler:** He published a book that popularized the potential of molecular nanotechnology. * **Sumio lijima:** He is a nanoscientist who is considered the "father of" carbon nanotubes. * **Bill Clinton:** He initiated the NNI, the US federal government program for the science, engineering, and technology research and development for nanoscale projects. ## 14. Nanodream or Nanonightmare Although the technological advances of the 20th century changed our world, those of the 21st century will bring even greater change. ## 15. Main Concern Its complexity could make it difficult to fully understand and control its effects. The author is concerned about nanotechnology's risks, like harm to human and the environment, or nanobots causing unintended destruction. ## 16. Optimistic or Pessimistic? The author mentions that the benefits of nanotechnology will come in the future, but it is already having a positive impact. Nanotechnology will influence every area of technology and science. **OPTIMISTIC** ## 17. Application Question * **Main Concern:** The safety and potential toxicity of nanotechnology in products. * **Main Benefit:** Improve product performance and functionality.