The nanoworld is the world at a microscopic level.
It's a broad area of research and development that
involves the study of materials and structures on an ultra small scale.
The nanoworld is only visible with certain microscopes. One nanometer is one billionth of a meter, which
is 50,000 times smaller than the thickness of a hair.
NANO & TECHNOLOGY
The nanometre or nanometer is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one billionth of a metre.
The name combines the SI prefix nano- with the parent unit name metre.
Technology is machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge. The
branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences.
WHAT IS NANOSCIENCE?
refers to the study, manipulation and engineering of matter, particles and structures on the nanometer
scale.
• Important properties of materials, such as the electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties,
are determined by the way molecules and atoms assemble on the nanoscale into larger structures.
WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY?
is the application of nanoscience leading to the use of new nanomaterials and nanosize components in
useful products.
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.
ORIGIN OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
The earliest systematic discussion of nanotechnology is considered to be a speech given by Richard
Feynman (American physicist, 1918-1988) in 1959. It was titled: "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom."
In this speech Feynman discussed the importance of manipulating and controlling things on a small
scale" and how they could "tell us much of great interest about the strange phenomena that occur in
complex situations." He described how physical phenomena change their manifestation depending on
scale, and posed two challenges: the creation of a nanoomotor, and the scaling down of letters to the
size that would allow the whole Encyclopedia Britannica to fit on the head of a pin.
The term 'nanotechnology' was used first by the Japanese scientists Norio Taniguchi (1912-1999) in a
1974 paper on production technology that creates objects
The early 2000s also saw the beginnings of commercial applications of nanotechnology, although these
were limited to bulk application of nanomaterials.
Silver nano platform for using silver- nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent, nanoparticle-based
transparent sunscreens, and carbon nanotubes for stain- resistant textiles.
HOW DOES NANOTECHNOLOGY WORK?
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at the nanometer scale, where unique
phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology,
nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.
Nanotechnologies involve the design, characterization, production, and application of nanoscale
structures, devices, and systems that produces structures, devices, and systems with at least one
novel/superior characteristic or property.
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT NANOTECHNOLOGY?
In a nutshell: the mechanical rules that govern the nanoworld are quite different from our everyday,
macroworld experience. This allows the fabrication of novel materials and applications that otherwise
would not be possible.
Nano World – is the global market leader for tips for Scanning Probe Microcopy and Atomic Force
Microcopy.
• It has a great impact on technology and science since it improves a lot of inventions and enables
researchers to find new ways to create a product that is cost efficient, stronger and long lasting and more
sustainable.
• The Nano world talks about those small and tiny elements which cannot be seen by our naked eye
Nanotechnology – refers to the development of products or manipulation of matter at the nanoscale.
Nanoparticles – are the building blocks of nanotechnology. They are particles that are 1 to 100
nanometers in size.
Nanometer – is a billionth of a meter
Nanoscience – is the science of nanoparticles
• To see nanoparticles, electron microscopes and force microscopes must be used.
Uses and Application of Nanotechnologies
• They can be used in medicine, energy, environment, agriculture, food security, communication and
other fields.
Concerns and Issues About Nanotechnology
1. Its impact to human health is not clear.
• Exposure to nanoparticles may pose potential health impacts. Exposure to nanoparticles can be
through direct contact, inhalation, ingestion or insertion to the body.
2. It may impact the environment
• Like other technologies, nanotechnology may have an impact to the environment. The rise in the
demand for nanotechnology requires raw materials from the environment.
3. It has moral issues.
• Nanotechnology is receiving opposition from some groups. It is being accused of altering or modifying
life forms, hence, destroying the sanctity of life.
• Nanotechnology may also lead to the development of biological and chemical weapons, genome
editing, development of synthetic organisms and others that are deemed controversial.
4. There is an issue in terms of equality and equity.
• Like other technologies, access to nanotechnology is an issue. There is unequal opportunity to access
and use of these promising technologies. Usually, only those who can afford or have the means can use
the technology.
However, those who weren’t able to access and use them may suffer from the risks or negative impacts
of the technology. Hence, there is inequality
5. There is an issue in legality, privacy and security.
• Nanotechnology is being viewed as a possible security and privacy threat in the future.
6. It can negatively affect human behavior.
• Like other technologies, humans may rely too much on nanotechnology. Some fear that
nanotechnology may reduce human productivity and may lead to the development of many products
that may be addictive to humans like computer games and social media.
NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering and technology conducted at the nano scale.
NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
- Employs the study and application of exceptional small thing in other areas of science.
CONCEPT OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
• December 29, 1959
• by the physicist RICHARD FEYNMAN
• He talks “ there’s plenty of room at the bottom”
• Coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi
