Nanomaterials and its concepts

Nanomaterials are defined as engineered materials with a least one

dimension in the range of 1-100nm. Particles of “nano” size have been
shown to exhibit enhanced or novel properties, including reactivity,
greater sensing capability and increased mechanical strength.
Nanotechnology
The term "Nanotechnology" was first defined by Norio Taniguchi of
the Tokyo Science University in 1974. Nanotechnology, shortened to
"Nanotech", is the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and
molecular scale. Nanoscience and nanotechnologies are
revolutionizing our understanding of matter and are likely to have
profound implications for all sectors.
Synthesis of Nanoparticles (2) Top-down approach: Nanoparticles are synthesized by breaking
down bulk materials gradually into smaller sizes, e.g. synthesis of
Synthesis methods can be classified according to the strategy applied nanocrystalline α-Al2O3 (surface area up to 100 m2 /g) by high-
(bottom-up or top-down approach), the nature of the process (physical, energy ball milling (mechanical milling) of γ-Al2O3
chemical, biological, e.g. biomineralization), the energy source (laser,
plasma, ion sputtering, electron beam, microwave, hydrothermal,
freeze drying, highenergy ball milling, combustion, flame,
supercritical) or by the media (synthesis in gas, in liquid or in solid).
(1) Bottom-up approach: Nanoparticles are built up atom by atom
or molecule by molecule as shown in Figure. For example the
wet-chemical precipitation of needle-shaped hydroxyapatite
nanocrystals, hydrothermal synthesis (thermal hydrolysis), forced
hydrolysis, solvo-thermal synthesis, supercritical hydrothermal
processing or supercritical fluid processing, sol-gel synthesis,
microwave heating synthesis, synthesis in microemulsions or
reverse micelles synthesis.
 According to the nature of the nanomaterial, extraordinary thermal and
electrical conductivity can be exhibited at the nanoscale level compared
to bulk counterparts. One example of this is graphene attained from
graphite.
5. Excellent mechanical properties
Nanomaterials exhibit excellent mechanical properties that are absent
in their macroscopic counterparts.
6. Excellent support for catalysts
2D sheets of various nanomaterials have provided the opportunity for
the good dispersion of nanoparticles of active catalyst, enhancing the
catalyst performance substantially. Recently, catalysts have been
atomically dispersed on 2D sheets of nanomaterials to boost
performance.
7. Antimicrobial activity
Some nanomaterials possess antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal
properties and have an excellent capacity to deal with pathogen-related
Properties of Nanomaterials : diseases.
1. Surface area Applications of Nanomaterials:
The surface areas of nanomaterials are generally substantially high Nanomaterials are of potential importance in
compared with their bulk counterparts, and this property is associated
1) Sunscreens and Cosmetics: A sunscreen based on mineral
with all nanomaterials.
nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide offer several advantages.
2. Magnetism Titanium oxide nanoparticles have a comparable UV protection
The magnetic behavior of elements can change at the nanoscale. A non- property. Nanosized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are currently used
magnetic element can become magnetic at the nanoscale level. in some sunscreens, as they absorb and reflect ultraviolet (UV) rays and
are transparent to visible light, making them more appealing to the
3. Quantum effects consumer. Nanosized iron oxide is present in some lipsticks as a
Quantum effects are more pronounced at the nanoscale level. However, pigment.
the size at which these effects will appear strongly depends upon the 2) Paints: Incorporating nanoparticles in paints could improve their
nature of the semiconductor material. performance, for example by making them lighter and giving them
4. High thermal and electrical conductivity different properties. Thinner paint coatings (‘light weighting’), used for
example on aircraft, would reduce their weight, which could be 6) Sensors of gases: The gases like NO2 and NH3 can be detected on
beneficial to the environment. the basis of increase in electrical conductivity of nanomaterials. This is
attributed to increase in hole concentration in nanomaterials due to
3) Batteries: With the growth in portable electronic equipment (mobile
charge transfer from nanomaterials to NO2 as the gas molecules bind
phones, laptop computers, remote sensors), there is great demand for
lightweight, high energy density batteries. Nanocrystalline materials the nanomaterials.
synthesized by sol–gel techniques are candidates for separator plates in 7) Food: Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing,
batteries because of their foam-like (aerogel) structure, which can hold safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could
considerably more energy than conventional ones. Nickel–metal improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on
hydride batteries made of nanocrystalline nickel and metal hydrides the surface of the coated film.
require less frequent recharging and last longer because of their large 8) Construction: Nanotechnology has the potential to make
surface area.
construction faster, cheaper and safer. Automation of nanotechnology
4) Catalysis: In general, nanoparticles have a high surface area, and construction can allow for the creation of structures from advanced
hence provide higher catalytic activity. Catalysis is important for the homes to massive skyscrapers much more quickly and at much lower
production of chemicals. Nanoparticles serve as an efficient catalyst for cost. The Silica (SiO2) is present in conventional concrete as part of the
some chemical reaction, due to the extremely large surface-to-volume normal mix. When nano silica is added to concrete the particle packing
ratio. Platinum nanoparticles are now being considered in the next can be improved mechanical properties.
generation of automotive catalytic converters because the very high 9) Lubricants: Nanospheres made of inorganic materials can be used
surface area of nanoparticles could reduce the amount of platinum
as lubricants by acting as nanosized “ball bearing”. Nanoparticles
required. Some chemical reactions are also carried out using reduce friction between metal surfaces particularly at high loads.
nanomaterials. For example: reduction of nickel oxide to the base metal
Ni. 10) Magnetic materials: The magnets made of nano crystalline
yttrium- samarium-cobalt grains have useful magnetic properties due
5) Medicine: Nanotechnology has been a boon in medical field by to extremely large interface area. This property leads to applications in
delivering drugs to specific cells using nanoparticles. The overall drug
analytical instruments such as MRI used in hospitals, motors, data
consumption and side effects can be lowered significantly by storage devices and in micro sensors.
depositing the active agent in the morbid region only and in no higher
dose than needed. This highly selective approach reduces costs and
human suffering. Nanotechnology can also help to reproduce or to
repair damaged tissue. “Tissue engineering” might replace today's
conventional treatments like organ transplants or artificial implants.
For example, bones can be regrown on carbon nanotubes scaffolds. .
Gold is also added in certain medical preparations for babies in order
to enhance their mental capability.