Automotive innovations like smart tires, anti-fog window coatings, improved fuel efficiency and stronger, lighter car parts

Energy innovations, including more efficient solar panels, alternative methods

for producing hydrogen fuel and tools for enhanced renewable energy applications

in developing countries

Cleaner environment through new water and air purification methods as well as removal of

pollutants from groundwater and soil

Better detection and treatment of cancer, including improved

tumor imaging, drug delivery and specialized, targeted chemotherapy

Improved healthy lifestyle products like wearable fitness devices, sweat-resistant workout clothing and stronger, yet lighter sports equipment

Defense innovations like state-of-the-art drones and artificial intelligence that allow for remote operation and autonomous platforms

Electronics that are faster, smaller, carry more information and can also be biodegradable, helping to limit e-waste

Healthcare innovations like more precise targeting of cancer tumors, microscopic surgeries and nanorobots that doctors may one day use inside the body to aid disease diagnosis and treatment

The global market for products incorporating nanotechnology is

estimated to be $1 TRILLION, of which $800 BILLION ARE IN THE U.S.*

WHAT ARE FULLERENES? Fullerenes were one of the first nanoparticles discovered. These soccer ball-shaped carbon molecules are approximately a nanometer in diameter. Fullerenes and other nanomaterials enable countless innovations, such as:

6 MILLIONEstimated number of nanotechnology workers needed

worldwide by 2020

2 MILLIONNumber of

nanotechnology jobs expected

to be in the U.S.

* Roco, Mihail C. 2011. Journal of Nanoparticle Research 13:427–445.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUTNANOTECHNOLOGY?Nanotechnology is the study of matter at a very small scale. How small? “Nano” means a billionth of a meter. To put that in perspective, an average human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. Nanotechnology may be small, but it is leading to some incredible scientific advances that will improve our daily lives.

Learn more at: nanotechnology.americanchemistry.com

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The vibrant colors of stained glass in the windows of Europe’s medieval cathedrals are due to metallic nanoparticles.

“Damascus” saber blades contain carbon nanotubes and cementite nanowires.

Michael Faraday discovers colloidal “ruby” gold, demonstrating that nanostructured gold under certain lighting conditions produces different colored solutions.

Tokyo Science University Professor Norio Taniguchi coins the term “nanotechnology.”

Richard Feynman of the California Institute of Technology gives what is considered to be the first lecture on technology and engineering at the atomic scale, “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom.”

Early nano-technology companies begin to operate.

Scientists receive the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their discovery of the fullerene, a soccerball-shaped carbon molecule approximately a nanometer in diameter.

The U.S. government recognizes the strategic importance of nanotechnology and plans to spend nearly $2 billion in research.

The National Nanotechnology Initiative launches to coordinate federal R&D efforts and promote commercialization of nanotechnology applications.

The Nanotechnology Panel of the American Chemistry Council forms.

nanotechnology.americanchemistry.com * Roco, Mihail C. 2011. Journal of Nanoparticle Research 13:427–445.

A BIG HISTORY OF THE VERY SMALL

THE NANO TIMELINENanotechnology is the study of matter at an incredibly small scale, generally between one and 100 nanometers. The nanoscale is so tiny that a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick. Nanotechnology could bring about the next wave of innovation in science and engineering—the possibilities are endless.

The evolution of nanotechnology could make DNA mapping part of a regular medical check-up. Modifying the human genome will become a common reality, helping to prevent diseases such as diabetes.

A study funded by the National Science Foundation estimates that six million nanotechnology workers will be needed worldwide by 2020, with two million of those jobs estimated to be in the United States.*

The global market for nanotechnology is $1 trillion, of which $800 billion are in the U.S.*