Week 8 DESMA 9

Nanotechnology is structures, materials, and devices at the nanoscale, ranging from one to 100 nanometers. The word nano comes from the Greek word "nanos" - dwarf, and nanotech’s existence has proven the possibility of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scale. (Nanotech Jim pt1 1:30). (Due to the insanely small numbers, the field describes size on a logarithmic scale).

Scale of object in nm

Big influences on a tiny field

Richard Feynman, Nobel Laureate in Physics, is said to have founded the field of nanotech by challenging scientists to write the entire Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a pin or create a tiny electric motor 4mm by 4mm, inspiring the imagination of researchers in the field. (Both of these challenges have now been completed).

Another influential figure -- Eric Drexler, proposed the concept of molecular nanotechnology (MNT) in the 80’s. Drexler envisioned a future where nanotechnology could be used for precise mechanical engineering at the molecular level, building specific molecules/mechanisms out of their individual atoms (Nanotech Jim pt1 12:15).

Drexler bearing

Nanotechnology Applications:

Nanotechnology has revolutionized various fields with its small-scale innovations. Four particularly cool examples I found while researching include:

1. Electronics and Computing: Smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic devices have been made possible through nanotechnology. Nanoscale transistors and memory chips have advanced computing power and storage capacity (Eassa).
2. Medicine and Healthcare: Nanotechnology has the potential to transform medicine through targeted drug delivery, early disease detection, and personalized treatments. Engineered nanoparticles can deliver drugs to specific targets, minimizing side effects and improving efficacy (Saini).
3. Energy and Environment: Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in energy generation, storage, and environmental sustainability. Nanomaterials enhance the efficiency of solar cells and batteries while also contributing to water purification and pollution remediation as well as desalination (Ankit and Pradeep).
   
   
   
4. Materials and Manufacturing: Advanced materials with unique properties have been developed through nanotechnology. Examples include carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanocomposites(Nanotech Jim pt2 5:50).

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field, unlocking new possibilities in electronics, medicine, energy, and materials. Its continued advancement holds the potential to reshape industries and improve lives.  It also has a place in art, revealing molecular detail with beautiful aesthetics.

References:

Badminton, Nikolas. “Dr Eric Drexler - Nanotechnology: The Big Picture.” Futurist Keynote Speaker and Consultant - Nikolas Badminton, 20 Apr. 2016, nikolasbadminton.com/dr-eric-drexler-nanotechnology-the-big-picture.

Basheer, Taha, et al. “Nanotechnology and Computer Science: Trends and Advances.” Memories - Materials, Devices, Circuits and Systems, 27 Aug. 2022, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773064622000068.

Eassa, Ashraf. “Intel Corporation Details 10-Nano Technology.” The Motley Fool, 29 Mar. 2017, www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/29/intel-corporation-details-10-nano-technology.aspx.

Ferrel, Matt. “How Nanotech Can Help Solve the Fresh Water Crisis.” YouTube, 14 Dec. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1kqGyPGsF8&ab_channel=UndecidedwithMattFerrell.

Nagar, Anik, and Thalappil Pradeep. “Clean Water through Nanotechnology: Needs, Gaps, and Fulfillment.” ASC Publications, pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.9b01730. Accessed 27 May 2023.

Saini, Rajiv, et al. “Nanotechnology: The Future Medicine.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, Jan. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890134/.

Vara, Vasanthi. “Nanotechnology in Medicine: Technology Trends.” Medical Device Network, 10 July 2020, www.medicaldevice-network.com/comment/nanotechnology-medicine-technology/.

Vesna, Victoria. “Nanotech Jim Pt1.” YouTube, 21 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE&t=755s&ab_channel=UCOnline.

Vesna, Victoria. “Nanotech Jim PT2.” YouTube, 21 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEp6t0v-v9c&t=298s&ab_channel=UCOnline.

“What Is Nanotechnology?” National Nanotechnology Initiative, www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition. Accessed 26 May 2023.