Nanotechnology : The real Science of miracles

Introduction to Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology refers to technology that is implemented at the nanoscale and has applications in the real world. Unique physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials can be exploited for applications that benefit society. Nanotechnology represents a megatrend

and has become a general purpose  technology.

We know that the first computer was very large,but now it convert into a smartphone due to this nanotechnology.

Also we can consider many example such as fuel cell, solar cell, batteries, fabric, Hand watch, etc

The basic information about nanotech is given in this,By using this we can gain Important knowledge of nanotech.

Topic cleared in this post...

1.What is nanotechnology?

2. History of nanotechnology

3.Fundamental concepts

4. The need of nanotechnology 

5. Nanomaterials

6. Nanoelectronics

7. Nanotechnology and defence

8. Developing nanostructure material

9. Application areas of nanotechnology

10. Impact of nanotechnology in our daily  life

11. Advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology

12. The future and risk of nanotechnology.

Now let us read..

What is nanotechnology?

The branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometres, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules.

NANOTECHNOLOGY is a part of science and technology about the control of matter on the atomic and molecular scale - this means things that are about 100 nanometres across. Nanotechnology includes making products that use parts this small, such as electronic devices, catalysts, sensors, etc.

In simple,Understanding, shaping and combining matter at the atomic and molecular scale is called nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology offers the potential for new and faster kinds of computers, more efficient power sources and life-saving medical treatments. Potential disadvantages include economic disruption and possible threats to security, privacy, health and the environment.

History of nanotechnology

The history of nanotechnology traces the development of the concepts and experimental work falling under the broad category of nanotechnology. Although nanotechnology is a relatively recent development in scientific research, the development of its central concepts happened over a longer period of time. The emergence of nanotechnology in the 1980s was caused by the convergence of experimental advances such as the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope in 1981 and the discovery of fullerenes in 1985, with the elucidation and popularization of a conceptual framework for the goals of nanotechnology beginning with the 1986 publication of the book Engine of creation The field was subject to growing public awareness and controversy in the early 2000s, with prominent debates about both its potential implications as well as the feasibility of the applications envisioned by advocates of molecular nanotechnology, and with governments moving to promote and fund research into nanotechnology. The early 2000s also saw the beginnings of commercial applications of nanotech, although these were limited to bulk applications of nanomaterials rather than the transformative applications envisioned by the field.

Fundamental concepts

Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. This covers both current work and concepts that are more advanced. In its original sense, nanotechnology refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products.One nanometer (nm) is one billionth, or 10⁻⁹, of a meter.By convention, nanotechnology is taken as the scale range 1 to 100 nm following the definition used by the National Nanotechnology Initiative in the US. The lower limit is set by the size of atoms, since nanotechnology must build its devices from atoms and molecules. The upper limit is more or less arbitrary but is around the size below which phenomena not observed in larger structures start to become apparent and can be made use of in the nano devices. These new phenomena make nanotechnology distinct from devices which are merely miniaturised versions of an equivalent macroscopic device ; such devices are on a larger scale and come under the description of microtechnology.
Two main approaches are used in nanotechnology. In the "bottom-up" approach, materials and devices are built from molecular components which assemble themselves chemically by principles of molecular recognition. In the "top-down" approach, nano-objects are constructed from larger entities without atomic-level control.
Areas of physics such as nanoelectronics, nanomechanics,nanophotonics and  nanoionics have evolved during the last few decades to provide a basic scientific foundation of nanotechnology.

Need of nanotech in:

Medicine

Researchers are developing customized nanoparticles the size of molecules that can deliver drugs directly to diseased cells in your body.  When it's perfected, this method should greatly reduce the damage treatment such as chemotherapy does to a patient's healthy cells.

Electronics
Nanotechnology holds some answers for how we might increase the capabilities of electronics devices while we reduce their weight and power consumption.

Food

Process in food products

Nanotechnology is having an impact on several aspects of food science, from how food is grown to how it is packaged. Companies are developing nanomaterials that will make a difference not only in the taste of food, but also in food safety, and the health benefits that food delivers.
Fuel Cells
Nanotechnology is being used to reduce the cost of catalysts used in fuel cells to produce hydrogen ions from fuel such as methanol and to improve the efficiency of membranes used in fuel cells to separate hydrogen ions from other gases such as oxygen.

Solar Cells

Companies have developed nanotech solar cells that can be manufactured at significantly lower cost than conventional solar cells.

Batteries

Companies are currently developing batteries using nanomaterials. One such battery will be a good as new after sitting on the shelf for decades. Another battery  can be recharged significantly faster than conventional batteries.

Space

Nanotechnology may hold the key to making space-flight more practical. Advancements in nanomaterials make lightweight spacecraft and a cable for the space elevator possible. By significantly reducing the amount of rocket fuel required, these advances could lower the cost of reaching orbit and traveling in space.

Fuels

Nanotechnology can address the shortage of fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline by making the production of fuels from low grade raw materials economical, increasing the mileage of engines, and making the production of fuels from normal raw materials more efficient.

Better Air Quality

Nanotechnology can improve the performance of catalysts used to transform vapors escaping from cars or industrial plants into harmless gasses. That's because catalysts made from nanoparticles have a greater surface area to interact with the reacting chemicals than catalysts made from larger particles. The larger surface area allows more chemicals to interact with the catalyst simultaneously, which makes the catalyst more effective.

Better Water Quality

Nanotechnology is being used to develop solutions to three very different problems in water quality. One challenge is the removal of industrial wastes, such as a cleaning solvent called TCE, from groundwater. Nanoparticles can be used to convert the contaminating chemical through a chemical reaction to make it harmless. Studies have shown that this method can be used successfully to reach contaminates dispersed in underground ponds and at much lower cost than methods which require pumping the water out of the ground for treatment.

Chemical Sensors

Nanotechnology can enable sensors to detect very small amounts of chemical vapors. Various types of detecting elements, such as carbon nanotubes, zinc oxide nanowires or palladium nanoparticles can be used in nanotechnology-based sensors. Because of the small size of nanotubes, nanowires, or nanoparticles, a few gas molecules are sufficient to change the electrical properties of the sensing elements. This allows the detection of a very low concentration of chemical vapors.

Sporting Goods

If you're a tennis or golf fan, you'll be glad to hear that even sporting goods has wandered into the nano realm. Current nanotechnology applications in the sports arena include increasing the strength of tennis racquets, filling any imperfections in club shaft materials and reducing the rate at which air leaks from tennis balls.

Fabric

Making composite fabric with nano-sized particles or fibers allows improvement of fabric properties without a significant increase in weight, thickness, or stiffness as might have been the case with previously-used  techniques.

Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials creater factory

Nanomaterials describe, in principle, materials of which a single unit small sized (in at least one dimension) between 1 and 100 nm. (the usual definition of nanoscale)
Nanomaterials research takes a materials science-based approach to nanotechnology, leveraging advances in materials metrology and synthesis which have been developed in support of microfabrication research. Materials with structure at the nanoscale often have unique optical, electronic, or mechanical properties.
Nanomaterials are slowly becoming commercialized and beginning to emerge as commodities.
Developing Nano-structured Materials

Nanotechnology’s current state enables the manufacturing of nano-structured materials and the tailoring of their properties. The development of more complex nanomechanic devices (nanorobots, nanocircuits, etc.) is still in an infant stage.

Nanopowders

These powders consist of particles of a few tens to a few hundreds of nanometers in size. Due to the large surface area to volume ratio, these materials present new enhanced properties when compared to their bulk properties. The use of nanopowders can create novel materials such as plastics with resistance to UV light, synthetic bone, more effective drugs, and catalysts.

Nanotubes

Nanotubes are hollow cylinders whose walls consist of single or multi-layered sheets of atoms. Their diameter is in the range of a few nanometres. The first discovered nanotubes consisted of carbon atoms (carbon nanotubes), but soon other element nanotubes were developed as well.

These structures are very popular in the current nanotechnology market. They are used to build extremely strong and light materials with a variety of applications such as vehicle manufacturing. Other uses may involve future nanocircuits, mechanical gears for nanomachines, etc. Another future application may be the employment of carbon nanotubes in flat panel display screens.

Nanowires

Nanowires are cylindrical structures with a diameter of a few nanometers. The difference between nanotubes and nanowires is that the latter are not hollow. They are thought to be suitable for the construction of electronic devices and chips.

Nanomembranes

A nano-structured membrane has the ability to filter molecules of liquids or gases. In nature, the cell membranes allow molecules to penetrate them and contribute to the formation of chemical compounds. The tailoring of these nanomembranes can result in the selective filtering of specific sized molecules.

Nanoelectronics: Nanotech in Electronics

Nanoelectronics is defined as nanotechnology which allows the integration of purely electronic devices, electronic chips and circuits. The digital systems are combined with analog/ RF circuits. This type of technology fusion can be described as the ‘More than Moore’ domain of development. The nanoscale dimensions of nanoelectronic components for systems of giga-scale complexity measured on a chip or in a package. This scaling feature and the road to giga-scale systems can be described as the ‘More Moore’ domain of development.

            

Nanoelectronics

Nanotechnology improve the capabilities of electronic components as given below-

• By reducing the size of transistors used in integrated circuits.
• Researchers are developing a type of memory chip with a projected density of one terabyte of memory per square inch and this increases the density of memory chips.
• By improving display screens on electronics devices and this reduces power consumption and also the weight and thickness of the screens.
• By traditional scaling limits in standard CMOS technology. This development of nanoelectronic components are called as ‘Beyond CMOS’ domain of development.

Nanotechnology in defence & security

Nanomachine gun

Nanotechnology holds strong promises for use in the defence industry. Current thinking is that nanotechnology can be used in two main ways by soldiers. The first is miniaturisation of existing equipment to allow it to be not only smaller, but lighter, use less energy and be more readily concealable. The second is to develop and adapt new materials for military purposes.

Military Research

Although nanotechnology based military research is being done both publically and secretly by numerous agencies around the world, the most high profile organisation is the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) at MIT. ISN is looking to “pursue a long-range vision for how technology can make soldiers less vulnerable to enemy and environmental threats. The ultimate goal is to create a 21st century battlesuit that combines high-tech capabilities with light weight and comfort.”

Soldier Battlesuit

A battlesuit such us that being developed by ISN would be required to remain lightweight and comfortable while stopping bullets, protecting against toxins, monitoring vital signs and administering first aid where possible.
Battlesuit research is still in its infancy but has already made some advancement in the fields of communications, strength and soldier protection.

Communications

Just as communications from ships at sea used to utilise coded messages transmitted by means of flashing lights specially coated polymer threads woven into the suit can allow silent communication between soldiers. The system can be tuned to different light wavelengths to prevent eavesdropping or detection by enemy units.

Strength

Polymer molecular muscle ribbons in the suit can magnify a soldiers strength by up to ten times. At present the muscles are slow to react and therefore not practical in most battlefield applications.

Protection

Kevlar is already the material of choice for protection against bullets and other ballistics and nanotechnology is being applied to further increase its functionality. Testing is underway on a shock-resistant material five times stronger than steel and more than twice as strong as any other impact-resistant material currently in use.
Protection from chemical and biological agents is being provided for with the use of special molecules called dendrimers. The dangerous chemicals stick to dendrimers and are rendered harmless.

Aerospace Applications

In aerospace based defence applications the primary concern is improving strength to weight ratios. As an example, nanotechnology is being applied to aluminium to change phases and microstructure in order to make it perform like titanium – but without the weight.

Coatings

High strength, corrosion resistant coatings are another military use for nanotechnology in order to improve durability, corrosion resistance and reliability. These materials can sense damage or corrosion and automatically initiate repair of some damage. The potential is also there for coatings to change colour when required. This could include adaptive camouflage for tanks moving from jungle to open fields or into urban areas.

Carbon Nanotube Composites

Further to improving strength to weight ratios, several companies are developing high strength, light weight composite materials using carbon nanotubes. Applications for these composites include aircraft wings.

Application Areas of Nanotech

Applications sector

Energy: Nanotechnology can improve the existing technology of fuel cells in order to increase their life cycle and reduce the cost of catalysts. Solar cells will also increase their energy conversion efficiency by reducing cost. The production of fuel could also become more effective by making extraction and processing more economical.

Medicine: Nanoparticles can be developed in order to deliver drugs to diseased cells. New bio-compatible materials are produced that can be used to make medical implants. Stents are also developed to prevent artery blockage.

Industry: Vehicle manufacturers can use the new light and extremely strong materials (eg. carbon nanotubes) to build faster and safer cars. The same technology applies in aerospace as well. The textile industry can benefit from the development of nanofibers. Clothing made of nanofibers is stain-repellent and can be washed at very low temperature. Another great application has to do with the embedded wearable electronics. Nanotechnology could also revolutionize the food industry by improving the conservation, processing, and packaging procedures. Other applications include bacteria identification and nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds in order to keep them in a safe anti-microbial environment.

Communication and Electronics: The advances in nanotechnology will reduce the weight and power consumption of electronic devices. Data processing speed will increase, and new portable devices will be available soon. This will revolutionize the world of communication and data transfer.

Consumer Goods: Other goods of every-day use that could be developed include anti-reflective sunglasses, new generation cosmetics, easy-to-use ceramics and glasses, etc

Impact of nanotechnology in our daily life

Below are 10 ways nanotechnology impacts our lives on a daily basis.

1. Faster, smaller, and more powerful computers that consume far less power, with longer-lasting batteries. Circuits made from carbon nanotubes could be vital in maintaining the growth of computer power, allowing Moore's Law to continue.

2. Faster, more functional, and more accurate medical diagnostic equipment. Lab-on-a-chip technology enables point-of-care testing in real time, which speeds up delivery of medical care. Nanomaterial surfaces on implants improve wear and resist infection.

3. Nanoparticles in pharmaceutical products improve their absorption within the body and make them easier to deliver, often through combination medical devices. Nanoparticles can also be used to deliver chemotherapy drugs to specific cells, such as cancer cells.

4. Improved vehicle fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance by building vehicle parts from nanocomposite materials that are lighter, stronger, and more chemically resistant than metal. Nanofilters remove nearly all airborne particles from the air before it reaches the combustion chamber, further improving gas mileage.

5. Nanoparticles or nanofibers in fabrics can enhance stain resistance, water resistance, and flame resistance, without a significant increase in weight, thickness, or stiffness of the fabric. For example, “nano-whiskers” on pants make them resistant to water and stains.

6. Water filters that are only 15-20 nanometers wide can remove nano-sized particles, including virtually all viruses and bacteria. These cost-efficient, portable water treatment systems are ideal for improving the quality of drinking water in emerging countries.

7. Carbon nanotubes have a variety of commercial uses, including making sports equipment stronger and lighter weight. For example, a tennis racket made with carbon nanotubes bends less during impact, and increases the force and accuracy of the delivery. Nanoparticle-treated tennis balls can keep bouncing twice as long as standard tennis balls.

8. Most sunscreens today are made from nanoparticles that effectively absorb light, including the more dangerous ultraviolet range. They also spread more easily over the skin. These same nanoparticles are also used in food packaging to reduce UV exposure and prolong shelf life.

9. Many drink bottles are made from plastics containing nanoclays, which increase resistance to permeation by oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture. This helps retain carbonation and pressure and increases shelf life by several months.

10. Thanks to nanotechnology, a huge variety of chemical sensors can be programmed to detect a particular chemical at amazingly low levels, for example, a single molecule out of billions. This capability is ideal for surveillance and security systems at labs, industrial sites, and airports. On the medical front, nanosensors can also be used to accurately identify particular cells or substances in the body.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Manufacturing Advantages

Nanotechnology is already making new materials available that could revolutionize many areas of manufacturing. For example, nanotubes and nano particles, which are tubes and particles only a few atoms across, and aerogels, materials composed of very light and strong materials with remarkable insulating properties, could pave the way for new techniques and superior products. In addition, robots that are only a few nanometers in length, called nanobots, and nanofactories could help construct novel materials and objects.

Energy Advantages

Nanotechnology may transform the ways in which we obtain and use energy. In particular, it's likely that nanotechnology will make solar power more economical by reducing the cost of constructing solar panels and related equipment. Energy storage devices will become more efficient as a result. Nanotechnology will also open up new methods of generating and storing energy.

Advantages in Electronics and Computing

The field of electronics is set to be revolutionized by nanotechnology. Quantum dots, for example, are tiny light-producing cells that could be used for illumination or for purposes such as display screens. Silicon chips can already contain millions of components, but the technology is reaching its limit; at a certain point, circuits become so small that if a molecule is out of place the circuit won't work properly. Nanotechnology will allow circuits to be constructed very accurately on an atomic level.

Medical Advantages

Nanotechnology has the potential to bring major advances in medicine. Nanobots could be sent into a patient's arteries to clear away blockages. Surgeries could become much faster and more accurate. Injuries could be repaired cell-by-cell. It may even become possible to heal genetic conditions by fixing the damaged genes. Nanotechnology could also be used to refine drug production, tailoring drugs at a molecular level to make them more effective and reduce side effects.

Environmental Effects

Some of the more extravagant negative future scenarios have been debunked by experts in nanotechnology. For example: the so-called "gray goo" scenario, where self-replicating nanobots consume everything around them to make copies of themselves, was once widely discussed but is no longer considered to be a credible threat. It is possible, however, that there will be some negative effects on the environment as potential new toxins and pollutants may be created by nanotechnology.

Economic Upheaval

It is likely that nanotechnology, like other technologies before it, will cause major changes in many economic areas. Although products made possible by nanotechnology will initially be expensive luxury or specialist items, once availability increases, more and more markets will feel the impact. Some technologies and materials may become obsolete, leading to companies specializing in those areas going out of business. Changes in manufacturing processes brought about by nanotechnology may result in job losses.

Privacy and Security

Nanotechnology raises the possibility of microscopic recording devices, which would be virtually undetectable. More seriously, it is possible that nanotechnology could be weaponized. Atomic weapons would be easier to create and novel weapons might also be developed. One possibility is the so-called "smart bullet," a computerized bullet that could be controlled and aimed very accurately. These developments may prove a boon for the military; but if they fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be dire.

The Future and Risks of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has been in the spotlight of development during the last years. The enormous potential of this new technology has been recognized immediately by both academia and industry. The ability to affect so many areas of modern life can actually be a means to revolutionize the way of doing things.
Many claim that nanotechnology may entail many risks and dangers for the future. This could originate from an abusive use of the new technology (e.g. development of new powerful weapon systems, detecting systems that threaten all levels of privacy, etc.), a fact that gives rise to social, ethical and safety concerns. Nanotechnology is very promising, but it would be unwise to ignore the negative aspects and not deal with them.
Since it has already entered our lives, it is rather safe to say that it will definitely change the way we live.

Nanomedicines