Nanotechnology - Concepts, Techniques and Application

Nanotechnology - Concepts, Techniques and Application, Nano-particles, Nano-pesticides, Nano-fertilisers, Nano-sensors

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Background of Nanotechnology:

• Nanotechnology's origins date back 2000 years, with nanocrystals and gold nanoparticles used historically.
• In 1959, Richard Feynman envisioned manipulating atoms and molecules.
• The term " nanotechnology " was first used by Norio Taniguchi in 1974 .
• Significant milestones include the development of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (1981) and the discovery of the Buckminsterfullerene (1985) .

Definition and Concepts:

• Nanoscience studies materials at atomic, molecular, and macromolecular scales .
• Nanotechnologies involve controlling shape and size at the nanoscale.
• The US National Nanotechnology Initiative defines it as the control of matter at dimensions of 1-100 nm.
• Nanoparticles are ultrafine units with dimensions in nanometers.
• Physical properties of nanoparticles include high mobility, large specific surface areas, and quantum effects.
• Bottom-up and top-down approaches are used in nanotechnology.

Tools and Techniques:

• Traditional techniques include characterizing particle size distribution and surface charge.
• Advanced tools include Atomic Force Microscope and Scanning Tunneling Microscope.
• Scanning probe microscopy techniques are crucial for both characterizing and synthesizing nanomaterials.
• Nanolithography methods and molecular self-assembly techniques are also significant.
• The bottom-up approach builds structures atom by atom, while top-down reduces bulk material to nanoscale patterns.
• Dual polarisation interferometer measures molecular interactions at the nanoscale.

Applications and Development:

• Nanotechnology's applications span various fields including medicine, engineer ing, and agriculture .
• Properties of materials change significantly at the nanoscale, leading to unique applications.
• Development of responsive nanomaterials for therapeutic products is ongoing.

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