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Amazing Nanotechnology

The Science of Small

Dr. Reshmi Nair

Nanoscience is the study of materials of nano range size that are 1nm to 100nm in size.
(1nm = 10 m)
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Now the question is why nanotechnology is of great importance in future world? Well, to make
it clearer, nanoparticles are 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, or the
thickness of a paper is approximately 75,000 nanometer thick. Hence the word nano relates
to unimaginably small dimensions.

Due to the reduction in the dimensions, the surface area of nanomaterials is much compared to
its volume. This leads to extraordinary properties of nanomaterials which makes them unique
materials. When materials reduce to the nano dimensions, their optical, electrical, electronic,
magnetic and mechanical properties change drastically which make these materials to have
novel and innovative applications.

Types of nanomaterials can be classified into :

a) 2D nanomaterials - thickness is in the nano range compared to other 2 dimensions.
Eg: nanofilms, nanolayers, nanocoating etc.
b) 1D nanomaterials - two dimensions are in the nano range (needle shaped form).
Eg: nanowire, nanotube, nanorods.
c) 0D nanomaterials - all the dimensions are within the nano range.
Eg: nanoparticles

Researches in the field of nanotechnology can change our future world. The applications are
innumerable and exciting. Some of the applications include the fields such as

• Medicine- nanoparticles can be employed to deliver drugs very effectively to diseased cells
especially in the treatment of cancer that can minimize damage to healthy cells. Longer range
research involves the manufacture of nanorobots to administer cellular level problems.
• Nano bioengineering of enzymes and catalysts.
• Nanotechnology is being used to minimize the cost of fuel cells and solar cells.
• Major contributions in electronics and IT applications.
• Everyday commercial products started relying on nanoscale materials such as nanofilms
on camera, computer, eyeglasses that are self-cleaning, antimicrobial, scratch proof,
waterproof etc. Manufacturing vehicles and sports equipment that are strong and light
weight. Fabrics that are durable, light, antimicrobial, dust repellent. High power battery,
efficient gas sensors, biosensors. Household products like cleansers, degreasers, paints
etc.
In a nutshell, nanotechnology rules a lot of domain today and will promise revolutionary
advances in lot more fields in the near future which will make or world a better place.

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