What Is Nanotechnology

Introduction

Nanotechnology is the application of science, engineering, and technology on the nanoscale, or between 1 and 100 nanometers.

Richard Feynman, a scientist, has developed nanotechnology.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology, study and use extremely small objects.

It also applies to all other scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering.

How It Started

Long before the term “nanotechnology” was coined, physicist Richard Feynman gave a talk titled “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” at an American Physical Society meeting at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) on December 29, 1959,

This laid the foundation for the theories and concepts that would later become the basis of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

In his lecture, Feynman presented a method for how scientists would be able to control and manipulate specific atoms and molecules.

Professor Norio Taniguchi first used the term “nanotechnology” in his studies of ultraprecision machining more than ten years later.

Modern nanotechnology didn’t start until 1981, when the scanning tunneling microscope was created, allowing scientists to “see” individual atoms.

Use of Nanotechnology in Electronics and IT Applications

Transistors

Nanotechnology has allowed transistors, the fundamental switches that enable all contemporary computers, to get smaller and smaller.

A typical transistor at the beginning of the century ranged in size from 130 to 250 nanometers.

Intel created the first 14-nanometer transistor in 2014, and IBM created the first seven-nanometer transistor in 2015.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory created the first one-nanometer transistor in 2016!

With smaller, faster, and better transistors, your entire computer’s memory may eventually fit on a single chip.

MRAM

Computers will be able to “boot” almost instantly using magnetic random-access memory (MRAM).

MRAM, which can efficiently save data after a system shutdown.

It enables resume-play features and is made possible by nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions.

Quantum dots

Quantum dots produce brighter colors with less energy and are useful in ultra-high-definition displays and televisions.

Other computing and electronic products include flexible displays for e-readers, Flash memory chips for smartphones and thumb drives, ultra-responsive hearing aids, and antimicrobial and antibacterial coatings on keyboards.

It is also useful in cell phone casings and printed electronics for RFID, smart cards, and smart packaging.

Lead-based solders

Lead-based solders and other potentially hazardous materials are being phased out of the assembly process in favor of safer, less expensive, and more dependable nanoparticle copper suspensions.

Use of Nanotechnology in Medical and Healthcare Applications

Nanotechnology is already broadening the medical tools, knowledge, and therapies currently available to clinicians.

Nanomedicine, the application of nanotechnology in medicine, draws on the natural scale of biological phenomena to produce precise solutions for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Below are some examples of recent advances in this area.

Firstly, Gold nanoparticles are being studied clinically as potential treatments for cancer and other disorders.

Secondly, they have found commercial use as probes for the detection of certain nucleic acid sequences.

Thirdly, early diagnosis and more tailored treatment options are available.

Fourthly, higher therapy success rates are all made possible by better imaging and diagnostic instruments made possible by nanotechnology.

Other benefits of Nanotechnology

Firstly, Nanotechnology is useful in the detection and treatment of atherosclerosis or the buildup of plaque in arteries.

Secondly, scientists developed a nanoparticle that resembles HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the body’s “good” cholesterol. It helps in plaque reduction.

Thirdly, The design and manufacture of advanced solid-state nanopore materials may enable the development of revolutionary gene sequencing technologies.

In addition, that enables single-molecule detection at low cost and high speed with minimal sample preparation and instrumentation.

Use of Nanotechnology in Energy Applications

To help meet the world’s rising energy demands, nanotechnology is improving alternative energy sources and finding use in conventional energy sources.

Many scientists are investigating how to create accessible, economical, and renewable energy sources.

As well as how to cut energy use and lower the environmental impacts of toxicity

Firstly, To help satisfy the world’s rising energy demands, nanotechnology is finding use in conventional energy sources

Secondly, significantly improving alternative energy strategies.

Thirdly, Many researchers are working to create accessible, economical, and renewable energy sources.

Fourthly, also working on solutions, to lower energy use and alleviate environmental impacts from toxicity.

Use of Nanotechnology in oil and gas extraction

Here we highlighted two examples of how nanotechnology is being applied in oil and gas extraction that are

Firstly, the use of gas lift valves with nanotechnology in offshore operations.

Secondly, the use of nanoparticles to find tiny cracks in down-well oil pipelines.

Use of Nanotechnology in Power Plants

Firstly, To extract carbon dioxide from power plant exhaust, researchers are looking into carbon nanotube “scrubbers” and membranes.

Secondly, Researchers are working on carbon nanotube-containing wires that will have much lower resistance than the high-tension lines

Thirdly, it is currently used in the electric grid, reducing transmission power loss.

Use of Nanotechnology in Solar Panels

Firstly, Solar panels can use nanotechnology to convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently, potentially leading to cheaper solar power in the future.

Secondly, Nanostructured solar cells may be less expensive to produce.

Thirdly, easier to install because they can be manufactured using print-like techniques and on flexible rolls rather than discrete panels.

Fourthly, A recent study indicates that solar converters of the future might even be “paintable.”

Fifthly, The number and variety of energy-efficiency and energy-saving products are growing.

In addition to the advancements already mentioned, nanotechnology is enabling smart coatings for glass that respond to light, lighter and stronger vehicle chassis materials for the transportation industry.

It also decreases energy consumption in sophisticated electronics.

Environmental Remediation

There are numerous ways that nanotechnology can assist in the detection and removal of environmental toxins in addition to the ways it can aid to increase energy efficiency (see the section above)

Firstly, Through quick, inexpensive detection and treatment of water contaminants, nanotechnology may be able to help address the need for accessible, clean drinking water.

Secondly, A thin film membrane with nanopores helps desalination that is energy efficient.

Thirdly, Compared to current conventional filters, this molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) membrane filtered two to five times more water.

Fourthly, Through chemical reactions that render the contaminants harmless, nanoparticles help to remove industrial water pollution from groundwater.

Additionally, Compared to approaches that call for pumping the water out of the earth for treatment, this procedure would be less expensive.

Fifthly, For use in cleanup applications, researchers have created a nanofabric “paper towel” made of microscopic wires of potassium manganese oxide. It can absorb 20 times its weight in oil.

Sixthly, Researchers have also utilized magnets to mechanically remove oil from water by putting magnetic, water-repellent nanoparticles in oil spills.

Nanotechnology Benefits in Aeroplane cabins

Firstly, Many airplane cabin air filters and other types of air filters are nanotechnology-based as a result of “mechanical filtration,”.

In which the fiber material forms tiny pores that catch particles larger than the pores.

Secondly, Layers of charcoal that absorb odors may also be present in the filters.

Benefits of Nanotechnology-powered sensors

Firstly, Nanotechnology-powered sensors and solutions are now more sensitive than ever at detecting and identifying chemical or biological agents in the air and soil.

Secondly, Researchers are studying these materials to learn how to use the unique chemical and physical properties of particles.

Thirdly, self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMSTM), dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes for various types of toxic site remediation.

Additionally, NASA has developed a new sensor as a smartphone app that firefighters can use to monitor air quality near fires.

Future Transportation Benefits

The promise of nanotechnology is the creation of multifunctional materials that will aid in the construction.

It also upkeeps lighter, safer, more intelligent, and more effective ships, planes, and automobiles.

Additionally, nanotechnology provides numerous ways to enhance the infrastructure for transportation.

Firstly, Nano-engineered materials in automotive products include

• structural polymer nanocomposites,
• high-power rechargeable battery systems,
• thermoelectric materials for temperature control,
• lower rolling resistance tires,
• high-efficiency/low-cost sensors and electronics,
• thin-film smart solar panels, fuel additives

Additionally, it improves catalytic converters for cleaner exhaust and a longer range.

Secondly, it improves the performance, resiliency, and longevity of highway and transportation infrastructure components and lowers their life cycle costs.

Thirdly, aluminum, steel, asphalt, concrete, and other cementitious materials, as well as their recycled forms, are among these materials.

Fourthly, It has new systems and innovative features such as self-healing structures.

Lastly, has the ability to produce or transport energy that can be incorporated into conventional infrastructure materials.

Nanoscale sensors and devices

Firstly, nanoscale sensors and devices may enable continuous, cost-effective monitoring of structural integrity.

Secondly, enable the performance of bridges, tunnels, trains, parking structures, and pavements over time.

Thirdly, Nanoscale sensors, communications devices, and other nanoelectronics-enabled innovations can also help drivers maintain lane position, avoid collisions,

Fourthly, adjust travel routes to avoid congestion, and improve driver interfaces with onboard electronics.

Benefits of using lightweight in Nanotechnology

Firstly, using lightweight, high-strength materials provided by nanotechnology would apply to nearly any mode of transportation.

Secondly, a commercial jet aircraft’s weight reduction of 20% might lead to a 15% decrease in fuel usage.

According to a preliminary NASA study, a launch vehicle’s gross weight might be reduced by 63 percent by creating and using sophisticated nanomaterials that are twice as strong as conventional composites.

Not only would this make it possible to create single-stage launch vehicles, but it would also cut

• launch costs,
• improve mission dependability,
• and open the door to more sophisticated space technologies.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have learned about nanotechnology and its uses and benefits. Nanotechnology is the application of science, engineering, and technology on the nanoscale, or between 1 and 100 nanometers. Nanoscience and nanotechnology, study and use extremely small objects. It also applies to all other scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering.