What is Nanotechnology, Its Types, History, and Applications of Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the use of science, engineering, and technology at the nanoscale, or between 1 and 100 nanometers. Richard Feynman, a physicist, is credited with founding nanotechnology.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology, which study and use very small objects, are applicable to all other scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering.

What is Nanotechnology or Nanoscience?

Nanotechnology, or nanotech as it is sometimes abbreviated, is the utilization of matter at the atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scales for commercial applications.

The first, the most popular definition of nanotechnology spoke of the specific technological objective of finely controlling atoms and molecules in order to produce macroscale goods. The National Nanotechnology Initiative went on to describe nanotechnology as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension scaled from 1 to 100 nanometers, which is a broader definition of the discipline.

Nanotechnology, as defined by size, encompasses a variety of scientific disciplines, including surface science, organic chemistry, molecular biology, semiconductor physics, energy storage, engineering, and molecular engineering.

History of Nanotechnology:

In 1959, renowned physicist Richard Feynman first outlined the ideas that would eventually give rise to nanotechnology in his lecture There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom.

In this discussion, he described the prospect of synthesis by the direct manipulation of atoms. Norio Taniguchi coined the phrase "nano-technology" for the first time in 1974, albeit it was not widely used at the time.

In his 1986 book Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology, K. Eric Drexler coined the word "nanotechnology" and advocated the idea of a nanoscale "assembler" that would be able to construct a replica of itself and of other items of arbitrary complexity with atomic control.

What are the Types of Nanotechnology?

Top-down or bottom-up processes and dry or wet working environments are used to categorize the many forms of nanotechnology:

• Descending (top-down): Mechanisms and structures are miniaturized at the nanometer scale - from one to 100 nanometers - this is the most frequent trend, especially in the electronic field.
• Ascending (bottom-up): By mounting or self-assembling a nanometric structure, you form a larger mechanism than what you started with.
• Dry Nanotechnology:Dry Nanotechnology: It does not require humidity to manufacture structures made from coal, silicon, inorganic materials, metals, and semiconductors.
• Wet Nanotechnology: This technology utilizes biological systems that exist in aqueous environments, including genetic material, membranes, enzymes, and other aspects of the cell.

Nanotechnology Applications:

Various industrial sectors can benefit from nanotechnology and nanomaterials.
The following areas are usually where nanomaterials and nanotechnologies are found:

• Nanotechnology in Electronics: There is a strong likelihood that carbon nanotubes will replace silicon for microchips, devices, and quantum nanowires in a material that is smaller, faster, and more efficient. Flexible touchscreens can be made with graphene due to their unique properties.
• Nanotechnology in Energy: Solar panels can now be manufactured with a semiconductor developed by Kyoto University that doubles the amount of electricity they produce from sunlight. As a result of nanotechnology, wind turbines are stronger, lighter, and more energy-efficient, and some nano components are thermally insulated, which can lead to increased efficiency and a decrease in costs.
• Nanotechnology in Biomedicine: Nanomaterials have a number of properties that make them ideal for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases and cancer at an early stage. These agents are able to selectively attack cancer cells without harming healthy ones. Pharmaceutical products such as sunscreen can also be enhanced with nanoparticles.
• Nanotechnology in Environment: Nanofiltration systems for heavy metals, water purification through nanobubbles, and air purification with ions are some of the environmentally friendly applications of nanotechnology. Chemical reactions can also be made more efficient and less polluting by using nanocatalysts.
• Nanotechnology in Food: Nano biosensors and nanocomposites might be used to detect pathogens in food or to increase the thermal and mechanical resistance and decrease oxygen transfer in packaged foods, respectively.
• Nanotechnology in Textile: As a result of nanotechnology, smart fabrics that won't stain or wrinkle can be produced, as well as lighter, stronger, and more durable materials for sports equipment or motorcycle helmets.

The other following areas of science employ nanotechnology:

Surface Science, Organic chemistry, Molecular biology, Semiconductor physics, Microfabrication, Molecular engineering, etc.

The following are more applications of nanotechnology:

• Manufacturing cosmetics and sunscreen
• Product packaging for food (Silver nanoparticles is used in food packaging)
• In clothes
• Silver Nano is used in cleaning products and home furnishings.
• Inside carbon nanotubes (for stain-resistant textiles)
• When it comes to illness treatment and health problem prevention (Nano-medicine)
• Across many industries
• Purification procedures
• For applications including environmental cleanup
• Regarding water desalination
• Within water filtering
• Treatment of wastewater
• Treatment of groundwater
• Used in construction materials, military products, and nano-machining of nanowires, among other things.

Nano Mission (Mission on Nano Science and Technology):

• The government of India initiated the Nano mission in 2007. This program is an "umbrella capacity-building program".
• All institutions, businesses, and scientists in the nation will be the focus of the Mission's programs.
• Encouraging fundamental research, the growth of human resources, the development of research infrastructure, and international partnerships, among other things, will also increase efforts in nanoscience and technology.
• The Department of Science and Technology will serve as its focal point, and a renowned scientist will serve as the council's chair.

Results of the Nano Mission and its Importance:

• India is currently among the top five nations in the world for scientific publications in nanoscience and technology because of the efforts made possible by the Nano Mission (moving from 4th to the 3rd position).
• About 5000 research articles and 900 PhDs have been produced as a result of the Nano Mission, along with some practical goods like eye drops made of nano hydrogel, water filters that remove fluoride and arsenic, and water filters that remove pesticides, etc.
• Thus, the Nano Mission has aided in the development of a favorable environment in the nation for the pursuit of cutting-edge basic research as well as the seeding and nurturing of R&D that is application-oriented and centered on practical technologies and goods.

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