Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials

Nanotechnology
The art and science of manipulating and
rearranging individual atoms and molecules
to create useful materials, devices, and
systems

The design, characterization, and application of structures, devices, and

systems by controlled manipulation of size and shape of materials at
the nanometer scale (atomic, molecular, and macromolecular scale)
 Nanoscale?
A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick, a human hair is
around 80,000- 100,000 nanometers wide
 1.1.2- What is nanomaterial?

• Is defined as any material that has unique or

novel properties, due to the nanoscale ( nano
metre- scale) structuring.
• These are formed by incorporation or structuring
of nanoparticles.
• They are subdivided into nanocrystals,
nanopowders, and nanotubes: A sequence
of nanoscale of C60 atoms arranged in a long thin
cylindrical structure.
1.1.2- What is nanomaterial?
carbon nanotubes
1.1.2- What is nanomaterial?
Noble metal nanocrystals with cyclic
penta-twinned structures
1.1.2- What is nanomaterial?
Naonpowder
 Types of nanomaterials
• Nanomaterials can…
• occur naturally
• be produced by human activity either
as a product of another activity
• on purpose (engineered)
• Our focus: engineered nanomaterials as
these are designed and integrated into
products because of the specific
characteristics of the nanomaterial

Date, location
Classes of nanomaterials

Date, location
NanoZnO – One Chemistry, Many Shapes

Courtesy of Prof. Z.L. Wang, Georgia Tech

 Why are nanomaterials used?
• At nano-scale,
• the material properties change - melting
point, fluorescence, electrical
conductivity, and chemical reactivity
• Surface size is larger so a greater
amount of the material comes into contact
with surrounding materials and increases
reactivity
• Nanomaterial properties can be ‘tuned’ by
varying the size of the particle (e.g. changing
the fluorescence colour so a particle can be
identified)
• Their complexity offers a variety of functions
to products
 Examples of nanomaterials in products

Examples:
– Amorphous silica fume (nano-silica) in Ultra High
Performance Concrete – this silica is normally
thought to have the same human risk factors as
non‐nano non‐toxic silica dust
– Nano platinum or palladium in vehicle catalytic
converters - higher surface area to volume of
particle gives increased reactivity and therefore
increased efficiency
– Crystalline silica fume is used as an additive in
paints or coatings, giving e.g. self-cleaning
characteristics – it has a needle-like structure and
sharp edges so is very toxic and is known to
cause silicosis upon occupational exposure
 Nanotechnology spans many Areas

Information Mechanical Biotechnology

Technology Engineering
Eng. & /
Robotics
Transportation

Advance
Materials &
Textiles NANOTECHNOLOGY National
Security &
Defense

Energy &
Environment
Food and
Aerospace Medicine Agriculture
/
Health
 2- Applications of Nanotechnology:
2.1 General Applications

Application Examples

Medicine Diagnostics, Drug delivery, Tissue engineering,

Cryonics

Information and communication Memory storage, Novel semiconductor devices,

Novel optoelectronic devices, Displays,
Quantum computers

Heavy Industry Aerospace, Catalysis, Catalysis, Construction

Vehicle manufacturers

Consumer goods Foods, Household, Optics, Textiles, Cosmetics,

Sports

Environment
 2.2- Environmental Applications
Check http://www.nanowerk.com/products/product.php?id=160 for more details

Application Examples

Carbon capture Photocatalyst consisting of silica Nanosprings

coated with a combination of titanium dioxide

Sensors Pollutants sensors that able to detect lower limits

with low cost

Remediation (decontamination, oil spill Heavy metal decontaminant removes heavy metals
management) such as lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc, copper,
manganese and cobalt in a neutral pH environment
without using any form of sulphur.

Wastewater treatment Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies' ceramic

membrane modules, utilizing the CeraMem
technology platform, can be supplied with a variety
of inorganic microfiltration and ultrafiltration
membranes.

Energy Heat distribution e.g. ceramic-like 

materials  that provide sufficient reliability and
durability of the entire structure

Drinking water purification