NANOTECHNOLGY

INTRODUCTION

  Définition :Nanotech is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.

Nanotechnology uses techniques, processes and materials at the supramolecular level, approximately in a range between 1-100 nanometers (nm), in order to create new properties and to stimulate particular desired functionalities.

PlanAreas under nanotech :

Carbon nanotubes

Molecular Manufacturing

Nano materials

APPLICATIONS

Disadvantages

Carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical nanostructure

Different types of carbon nanotubes

Single walled

Multi walled

Application of carbon nanotubes

Carbon Nanotubes in Batteries and Capacitors

Carbon Nanotubes in Fuel Cell Applications

 carbon nanotubes with biological systems can significantly improve medical science — especially diagnostics and disease treatment.

Carbon nanotubes and graphene exhibit extraordinary electrical properties for organic materials, and have a huge potential in electrical and electronic applications such as sensors, semiconductor devices, displays, conductors and energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells, harvesters and batteries).

Carbon Nanotubes May Exhibit High Thermal Conductivity

Molecular manufacturingmolecular manufacturing, is a term given to the concept of engineered nanosystems (nanoscale machines) operating on the molecular scale. It is especially associated with the concept of a molecular assembler, a machine that can produce a desired structure or device atom-by-atom using the principles of mechanosynthesis.

molecular manufacturing also has the potential to revolutionize medicine. For example, sensors that are smaller than blood cells could be produced inexpensively. When released into a patient's blood stream in large numbers, these sensors could provide very accurate diagnoses.

Nanorobots could be built using molecular manufacturing to perform surgical procedures in a more precise way.

Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials is a field which takes a materials science-based approach to nanotechnology. It studies materials with morphological features on the nanoscale, and especially those which have special properties stemming from their nanoscale dimensions.

Nanoparticles or nanocrystals made of metals, semiconductors, or oxides are of particular interest for their mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical and other properties. Nanoparticles have been used as quantum dots and as chemical catalysts.

Properties of nanomaterials

large fraction of surface atomshigh surface energyspatial confinementreduced imperfectionshigh Young’s modulus and high tensile strengthimprove adhesion,durability, and abrasion resistanceextreme high thermal conductivity in axial directions,leaving high anisotropy in the heat transport in the materials

Application of nanomaterials

Suncreens and Cosmetics : Nanosized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are currently used in some sunscreens, as they absorb and reflect ultraviolet (UV) rays and yet are transparent to visible light and so are more appealing to the consumer.Composites : An important use of nanoparticles and nanotubes is in composites, materials that combine one or more separate components and which are designed to exhibit overall the best properties of each component. This multi-functionality applies not only to mechanical properties, but extends to optical, electrical and magnetic onesPhosphors for High-Definition TVElimination of PollutantsHigh-Sensitivity Sensors

APPLICATIONS

Nanotechnology in Medicine

Employing nano-particles to deliver drugs, heat, light or other substances to specific cells in the human body.. Engineering particles to be used in this way allows detection and/or treatment of diseases or injuries within the targeted cells, thereby minimizing the damage to healthy cells in the body.Development nanocrystalline silver is already being used as a antimicrobial agent in the treatment of woundsNanotubes used in broken bones to provide a structure for new bone material to grow.Nanoparticles that can attach to cells infected with various diseases and allow a doctor to identify, in a blood sample, the particular disease. Nanoshells that concentrate the heat from infrared light to destroy cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy cells.  For a good visual explanation of nanoshells

Nanotech & cancer Treatment of cancer was never so easy before the introduction of nanotechnology in the field of medicine. Many research committees pertaining to medicine and biology have recorded the extensive use of nanomaterials when induced into various applications. And so because of its immense prominence in the biological and medical fields, there have been many branches of those fields taking their existence such as ‘Nanomedicine’, ‘Bio nanotechnology’, and ‘Biomedical Nanotechnology’.

Air Pollution & Nanotechnology

There are two major ways in which nanotechnology is being used to reduce air pollution :

By catalyst methodBy nano-structured membranes

Water Pollution & Nanotech

Used as a cleaning agentUse deionization method using electrodes to remove salt or metals from waterremoves virus cells from water using filters

Applications of Nanotechnology in the field of Energy

The field of ‘Energy’ also has tasted the touch of Nanotechnology in its field. Enhanced renewable sources of energy, conversion, storage and other areas are the vast fields that have experienced the Nanotechnology. Also, Nanotechnology is found to be applied in several other areas including the designing of Novel semiconductor deviceas, Novel Optoelectronic devices, Displays, quantum computers, Aerospace, refineries, manufacturing of vehicles, production of foods, textiles, cosmetics and several others.

Nanotechnology and Space

Nanosensors and nanorobots could improve the performance of spaceships, spacesuits, and the equipment used to explore planets and moonsNanomaterials make lightweight solar sails and a cable for the space elevatorUsing carbon nanotubes to make the cable needed for the space elevator, a system which could significantly reduce the cost of sending material into orbit

Food and Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is having an impact on several aspects of food science, from how food is grown to how it is packaged,that will make a difference not only in the taste of food, but also in food safety, and the health benefits that food delivers. 

Clay nanocomposites are being used to provide an impermeable barrier to gasses such as oxygen or carbon dioxide in lightweight bottles, cartons and packaging films

Storage bins are being produced with silver nanoparticles embedded in the plastic. The silver nanoparticles kill bacteria from any material that was previously stored in the bins, minimizing health risks from harmful bacteria.

DisadvantagesDespite the possibilities and the advancements that the Nanotechnology offers to the world, there also exist certain severe discussions on the prevalence of the Nanotechnology in the world. Many of the people in the world are aware of the advancements that various field have made since the introduction of Nanotechnology into the world. But little do they know of the hidden dangers and potential risks involved with Nanotechnology running under the carpet.Also, there are hardly any study or research groups so far to unveil the hidden implications associated with the Nanotechnology. But the world has recently anticipated of the potential risks involved with the same. Some of them can be discussed hereunder.

Disadvantages of Nanotechnology in terms of Security

Nanotechnology can cause a brutal risk in the field of terrorism. The terrorism and anti groups can make use of nanotechnology as a new form of torturing the communities as nanotechnology also has the capability of destructing the human body at the molecular level.

Disadvantages of Nanotechnology related to Privacy

Privacy is the other potential risk involved with Nanotechnology. As Nanotechnology deals with the designing of compact and minute devices, there are chances for more eavesdropping than that already exists.In midst of all these, it is very difficult to decide on the merits and demerits of the Nanotechnology. On one side, the Nanotechnology provides an amazing base for the world to advance in many of the key areas and on the other side, it itself poses as a potential risk by elaborating the possibilities of destruction of the whole world.

Lack of our own knowledge

Another potential problem with nanotechnology is the lack of our own knowledge We know that we can create materials with nanotechnology but we still have to stop and understand the impact of the creation of these products will have on the nanoscale.If we change the structure of material on the nano level without understanding he potential impact on the nanoscale,we risk creating a whole world of materials that have atoms that actually do not fit together cohesively.,

Thank you :D