ENGLISH PRESENTATION
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Presented by:
Ghislain DIPAMA
Hanane Lala Latifah TRAORE
Jean Louis DAYAMBA
Vivien Régis Albert DARGA
Teacher: Mr. Missiri NANGO
Plan of the presentation
INTRODUCTION
I. Basics of nanotechnology
1. Definition
2. The origins of nanotechnology
3. Why nanotechnology?
II. Applications of nanotechnology
1. Medicine
2. Electronic
3. Materials
4. Energy
III. Advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology
1. Advantages
2. Disadvantages
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
Nanotechnology represents a revolutionary path for technological development that concerns
the management of materials at the nanometre scale (One billion times smaller than a meter).
Nanotechnology factually means any technology on the nanoscale that has numerous
applications in the real world.
It literally encompasses the fabrication and application of chemicals, physical, and biological
systems at scale ranging from individual molecules or atoms to submicron dimensions, and
also, the integration of these resulting nanomaterials into larger systems. It has the potential to
change our perspective and expectations and provide us with the capability to resolve global
issues.
I. Basics of nanotechnology
1. Definition
The meaning of the term nanotechnology is any technology operating on the nanoscale which
has application in the real world, that is to employ single atoms and molecule to form functional
structures. The nanoscale refers to a tiny scale of measurement, typically between 1 to 100
nanometres.
2. The origins of nanotechnology
Nanotechnology originated as a concept in the mid-20th century with physicist Richard
Feynman’s famous lecture in 1959 “There’s plenty of room at the bottom” where he discussed
the possibility of manipulating individual atoms and molecules. However, the term
“nanotechnology” was coined by Eric Drexler in his 1986 book “Engines of creation: the
coming era of nanotechnology” where he proposed the idea of molecular technology and self-
replicating nanorobots. Since then, nanotechnology has evolved into a multidisciplinary field
encompassing various scientific disciplines, engineering and applications.
3. Why nanotechnology?
Man has turn to nanotechnology because of the growing need for improved performance and
innovative solutions in areas such as electronics, medicine, and energy. Miniaturisation has
been considered to overcome the limits of materials on a macroscopic scale and to meet the
demand for more impact and efficient devices. Technological advances have also, played a key
role in making it possible to handle and understand materials on a nanoscale.
Nanotechnology holds immense promise because it allows us to manipulate matter at the atomic
and molecular level. This enables the creation of materials, devices, and systems with incredibly
precise control over their properties and functions. Also, nanotechnology can play a significant
role in environmental protection and remediation. Nanomaterials can be used for efficient water
purification, pollution detection, and catalysis for cleaner energy production.
Overall, nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize multiple fields, offering solutions to
complex problems and driving innovation across various sectors of society.
II. Applications of nanotechnology
Certainly, Nanotechnology has many applications across various fields, including medicine,
electronics, materials science, and energy. Here is an overview of how nanotechnology is
applied in each of these areas.
1. Medicine
Nanoparticles can be engineered to carry drugs to specific targets within the body, such as
cancer cells or diseased tissues. These nanoparticles protect the drug from degradation and
enhance its delivery, reducing side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes. Nanomaterials
are integrated into the manufacturing of advanced medical devices such as implants, prosthetics,
biomedical sensors improving their efficiency and durability.
2. Electronic
Nanotechnology enables the miniaturisation of electronic components, leading to smaller and
more powerful devices. Nanoscale transistors, memory storage devices, and sensors enhance
the performance and efficiency of electronic systems.
3. Materials
Nanomaterials have unique properties due to their small size and high surface area-to-volume
ratio. They exhibit enhanced mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties, making
them desirable for applications in coatings, composites, and structural materials.
4. Energy
Nanotechnology enables the development of advanced materials for energy storage devices,
such as batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. Nanomaterials increase energy density,
cycling stability, and charge/discharge rates, leading to longer-lasting and faster-charging
energy storage solutions.
III. Advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology
Nanotechnology offers numerous advantages, but it also comes with its own set of challenges
and disadvantages. Here's an overview
1. Advantages
Advantages of using nanotechnology are as follows:
❖ Precision: Nanotechnology allows precise manipulation of materials at the atomic and
molecular levels, enabling the design of materials with tailored properties and
functionalities.
❖ Enhanced Properties: Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties, such as increased
strength, conductivity, and reactivity, compared to bulk materials. These enhanced
properties open up new possibilities for applications in various industries.
❖ Miniaturisation: Nanotechnology enables the development of smaller and more
efficient devices, leading to advancements in electronics, medicine, and other fields
where size reduction is critical.
❖ Improved Performance: Nanotechnology enhances the performance of existing
technologies and processes by improving efficiency, durability, and functionality.
2. Disadvantages
It is true that nanotechnology offers us many new possibilities and advantages but it also has
its limits about:
❖ Health and Safety: The potential health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials
are still not fully understood. Concerns include toxicity, bioaccumulation, and
unintended consequences of exposure to nanoparticles.
❖ Ethical Issues: Nanotechnology raises ethical concerns related to privacy,
surveillance, and the equitable distribution of benefits and risks, particularly in areas
such as nanomedicine and nano surveillance.
❖ Cost and Accessibility: Nanotechnology research and development can be costly,
limiting access to benefits for certain sectors of society. Additionally, disparities in
access to nanotechnology may exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities.
❖ Environmental Impact: The manufacturing and disposal of nanomaterials may have
environmental implications, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and
potential ecosystem disruption.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study showed the strength of nanotechnology across various fields, including
medicine, electronics, materials science, and energy. Through precise manipulation at the
nanoscale, nanotechnology offers unprecedented opportunities to develop new materials,
devices, and systems with enhanced properties and functionalities. From revolutionising drug
delivery and diagnostics in medicine to enabling miniaturised and flexible electronic devices,
nanotechnology continues to lead innovation and address pressing challenges in today's society.
As research in this field advances, it is essential to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and
address concerns regarding safety, ethics, and sustainability to realise the full benefits of
nanotechnology while mitigating potential risks. Ultimately, nanotechnology promises to
reshape industries, improve quality of life, and open the way for a more sustainable and
technologically advanced future.
