Nanotechnology Application

INTRODUCTION:

The word ‘Nano’ means microscopic. Nanotechnology deals with particles at a nanometer scale. According to the International System of Units, a nanometer is a minuscule length unit, one-billionth of a meter, ten times the diameter of a Hydrogen atom. The science of innovating and producing materials on such a small scale, i.e., the scale of atoms and molecules is known as nanotechnology.

Since the basic unit of matter is an atom, everything we see around us is made up of atoms. From the water we drink to the car we drive, everything is composed of atoms. Now, a common question arises about how objects around us have different shapes and appearances if they are all made of the same unit, atoms. It turns out that the arrangement of the atoms determines the function or appearance of an object or material. This means the individual bits must be in the right place for these objects to work.

If we were really smart, we could combine atoms and put them together to create entirely new substances. However, since, atoms are extremely small they are really difficult to work with. Nonetheless, scientists have become more proficient in working with atoms and molecules over the past decades. Since this involves working with stuff on such a tiny scale, it is called nanotechnology.

THE ORIGIN:

Nanotechnology was first introduced in the year 1959 by the Nobel Prize-winning American physicist Richard Feynman at an American Physical Society meeting at Caltech on December 29. He put up a theory that could lead to the ability to manipulate the arrangement of atoms by using one set of things to construct another set of proportionally smaller things. The idea was to use normal-sized robots to build smaller replicas of themselves and using the new set of tools, to construct an even smaller set, continuing down to an atomic scale.

Norio Taniguchi, a Japanese scientist and professor at the Tokyo University of Science first coined the term ‘nano-technology’ in 1974 at a conference. His definition is that “‘Nano-technology’ consists of the processing of, separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials by one atom or one molecule.”

Later, in the 1980s, K. Eric Drexler, an American Engineer popularized the concept of ‘nanotechnology’. Unaware that the term ‘nano-technology’ had been used by Norio Taniguchi earlier, he published his first paper on this subject in 1981. He then wrote a book in the year 1986 titled ‘Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology’, which proposed the concept of a nanoscale “assembler” that could create copies of itself and other objects of arbitrary complexity. Drexler is often termed the ‘godfather of nanotechnology’ and his idea of nanotechnology is called ‘Molecular Nanotechnology’ (MNT).

APPLICATIONS:

Nanotechnology has a wide range of applications throughout various fields because it can alter or manipulate materials at the nanoscale. Some of them include:

Electronics:

Nanotechnology can create smaller and stronger electronic components at the nanoscale. Quantum Dots (QDs), also called semiconductor nanocrystals, are used in displays and solar cells to achieve better color and efficiency. Silicon is it was replaced by carbon nanotubes to create even smaller, faster, and more potent microchips. It can make lighter, more powerful, and more conductive quantum nanowires.

Energy:

Materials at the nanoscale increase the efficiency of solar cells by improving light absorption. Solar panels are manufactured to increase the amount of sunlight converted into electricity. Nanotechnology also contributes to the development of high-capacity batteries and supercapacitors at lower costs and with greater efficiency.

Additionally, it can build stronger and lighter wind turbines, saving a significant amount of energy.

Medicine and Healthcare:

Nanotechnology can be incorporated to improve the detection of diseases like cancer at early stages and enhance their diagnosis. The use of nanoparticles allows for the direct injection of drugs into target cells without harming the surrounding healthy cells. They can also be used to produce X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and CT scans.

Food:

Nanosensors can detect the presence of pathogens, adulterants, bacteria, and toxins in packaging that may contaminate food. The use of nano biosensors can decrease oxygen transfer in packaged food, thereby improving the quality and safety of food production by enhancing barrier properties. Frequently used food-related products that use nanotechnology include baby bottles, plastic containers, and candies like M&M’s, Skittles, etc.

Cosmetics:

The properties of nanoparticles are utilized in sunscreen lotions and creams for effective UV protection from the Sun. Nanoparticles, in the form of nano-cosmeceuticals, are also used in skincare products such as anti-aging creams, facilitating the penetration of the necessary active ingredients into the skin.

Textiles:

Nanoparticles provide stain and wrinkle resistance to fabrics, contributing to the creation of stronger and lighter materials, ultimately enhancing efficiency and durability. The incorporation of nanotechnology into fabrics can also prevent bacterial growth, thereby further improving its quality.

Water treatment:

Nanotechnology is employed to combat water pollution by filtering contaminants and toxins from water bodies through water purification processes. The unique properties of nanomaterials enable them to absorb pollutants and heavy metals from water.

Engineers are also developing nanostructured filters capable of effectively removing viruses from water.

Agriculture:

Farmers use nanotechnology in the form of nanoscale biosensors and nanoparticles in agriculture to increase their production. This involves monitoring soil conditions, identifying diseases, eliminating agrochemical residues, and observing nutrient levels. The delivery of pesticides has become easier and more precise with the assistance of nano-formulations and nanotechnology.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, nanotechnology, which deals with things at the molecular level, holds paramount importance in science. It can change our lifestyle and way of living by bringing about faster, smaller, and more efficient changes.

Envisioning the future, we anticipate a world where nanotechnology plays an even more significant role, enhancing various aspects of our lives.

In the future, diseases could be diagnosed and treated at their earliest stages. Clean and abundant energy, could become a reality and solar cells could become highly efficient. The creation of super-powerful yet lightweight materials would revolutionize industries, while water bodies would be clean, and free from bacteria and contaminants.

Environment-friendly materials could pave the way for a more sustainable world. In the end, the narrative around nanotechnology is still unfolding. The scientists and researchers are our true heroes, whose dedicated efforts are shaping a future where nanotechnology brings about positive changes in the world and improves our lives for the better. As we look forward, we remain hopeful that nanotechnology will continue to be the environmental superhero that it needs to be by contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more developed world.