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Nanotechnology is a field of science that involves building materials and devices using
single atoms and molecules. Computers that used to occupy an entire room are now the
size of notebooks. The human race has always pushed for technological advances
working at the most efficient level, perhaps, the molecular level. The developments and
progress in artificial intelligence and molecular technology have innovated a new form
of technology; Nanotechnology.
The term nano evolved to describe the measurements ,which were even smaller than
micro units(10^ -6),1 nano unit is 10^ -9 times the unit size-which is 1000 times smaller
than microunit. Nanotechnology which is referred in short as "Nanotech", is the study of
the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Nano means very small. In Greek
nano means "dwarf". A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. A human hair is 80,000 to
100,000 thick. Everything must be done with special equipment and microscopes.
Nanotechnology is related to structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller than that
and developing devices of the size within that range. When we are talking about
nanotechnology ,we are talking about research and development in the length scale of .1
nanometers to 100 nanometers to create unique structures, devices, and systems.
The evolved version of the term “nanotechnology” is more properly labeled "nanoscale
bulk technology," while the original meaning is now more properly labeled "molecular
nanotechnology (MNT)” or "nanoscale engineering," or "molecular mechanics," or
"molecular machine systems," or "molecular manufacturing. " The Foresight Institute has
suggested an alternate term to represent the original meaning of nanotechnology :
zettatechnology.
But in many instances the actual structures, devices, and systems will be much larger, but
they will be classified as nanotechnology due to the fact that they will either be created at
the nanoscale or nanotechnology will enable them to perform new and improved
functions. For example, with advancement in nanotechnology, it can be possible to see
the world in which microscopic robots are sent into the human body with the mission of
detecting cancer cells, which will be then disassembled by the robots , and finally the
disassembled cancer cells can be sent out of the bloodstream as waste products. In the
future many of the things in the world will most likely involve or be influenced by
nanotechnology. This includes computers, clothing, medical science and the
environment.
The following devices and capabilities appear to be both physically possible and
practically realizable with nanotechnology:
Being as small as they are, nanostructures require fine particles that can only be seen with
the STM, or Scanning Tunneling Microscope. Moreover the STM allows the scientists
to not only see things at the molecular level, but it can pick up and move atoms as well.
HISTORY:
K. Eric Drexler: Dr. Drexler is a researcher concerned with emerging technologies and
their consequences for the future. In the mid 1980s, he introduced the term
'nanotechnology' to describe atomically precise molecular manufacturing systems and
their products. Advanced nanotechnologies will make possible many dreams (and
nightmares) first articulated in the literature of science fiction. He is a founder and
current Chairman of the Foresight Institute, a nonprofit educational organization
established to help prepare for advanced technologies. He wrote Engines of Creation
(1986) to introduce a broad audience to the prospect of advanced nanotechnologies -
their nature, promise, and dangers – and Nanosystems (AAP 1992 Most Outstanding
Computer Science Book) to provide a graduate-level introduction to the fundamental
physical and engineering principles of the field.
Gerd Binnig & Heinrich Rohrer: Inventors of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope
(1981), and awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986 for their work in scanning
tunneling microscopy [which they shared with Ernst Ruska, designer of the first electron
microscope]. An STM can image details down to 1/25th the diameter of an atom - several
orders of magnitude better than the best electron microscope. Dr. Binnig was appointed
an IBM Fellow in 1987 and remains a research staff member at IBM's Zurich Research
Laboratory.
Ralph Merkle, Ph.D.: Dr. Merkle received his Ph.D. from Standford University in 1979
where he co-invented public key cryptography. He joined Xerox PARC in 1988, pursuing
research in computational nanotechnology until 1999. He was co-recipient of the 1998
Feynman Prize for Nanotechnology Theory, and was co-recipient of the ACM's
Kanellakis Award for Theory and Practice, and the 2000 RSA Award in Mathematics. He
did presentation on the Long and medium term goals in molecular nanotechnology. He
has been at Zyvex since 1999, where he continues his nanotechnology research.
Basic Fundamentals:
There are two main approaches used in nanotechnology.They are “bottom-up” approach
and “top-down” approach. In the "bottom-up" approach, materials and devices are built
from molecular components which assemble themselves chemically by principles of
molecular recognition. These seek to arrange smaller components into more complex
assemblies. In the "top-down" approach, nano-objects are constructed from larger entities
without atomic-level control. These seek to create smaller devices by using larger ones to
direct their assembly.
At the most basic technical level, MNT is building, with design in molecule by molecule,
these two things: 1) incredibly advanced and extremely capable nano-scale and micro-
scale machines and computers, and 2) ordinary size objects, using other incredibly small
machines called assemblers. Assembler is a machine that can produce a desired structure
or device atom-by-atom using the principles of mechanosynthesis
MNT is going to be responsible for massive changes in the way we live, the way we
interact with one another and our environment, and the things we are capable of doing.
While there is great debate as to when MNT will start to seriously impact us, best guesses
range from around 2015 to as late as 2025. So, it is certain to have major impact the
lifetime of everyone currently under 60 years of age. Within the next 10-20 years, we
should have a manufacturing technology which will be able to: build products with
almost every atom in the right place; it would be possible to do it in an inexpensive way;
make most arrangements of atoms consistent with physical law. Often called
nanotechnology or molecular nanotechnology, it will let us make most products lighter,
stronger, smarter, cheaper, cleaner and more precise. But, MNT seems more theoretical
than the other subfields and is beyond current capabilities.
Development Principles
SIZE:
A nanometer is:
- 1 billionth of a meter
That means to see a nanometer at a scale of 1cm you would have to zoom in a million
times. It's hard to put into perspective but a sheet of paper is 100,000 nanometers thick.
Another perspective is a nanometer is about the width of six bonded carbon atoms, and
approximately 40,000 are needed to equal the width of an average human hair. A
Hydrogen atom is 0.1nm.
A nanometer is also smaller than the size of a cell in your body. It is for that reason that a
lot of research goes into uses in medicine as nanodevices someday may be small enough
to interact with human genes and proteins. For our purposes, nanometers pertain to
science, technology, manufacturing, chemistry, health sciences, materials science, space
programs, and engineering.
APPLICATIONS:
In computers:
Computers have changed over the years. We no longer need an entire room to house a
single computer. Now we have tiny computers that fit in the palm of your hand.
Computing power has increased tremendously. As technology advances, the computer
seems to get more powerful and smaller. Now, scientists are looking at the amazing
potential of using nanotechnology to make computers on a microscopic scale. These
proposed computers are called Nanocomputers. They will be smaller, faster and require
less power than previous versions.
Researchers all over the world are working to come up with the best designs to actually
build these nanocomputers. There are several trains of thought about what process to use
and how to make it all work. There are different types of nanocomputers proposed. These
include electronic, Chemical, biochemical and mechanical nanocomputers. They will all
use different parts and technology that isn't perfected yet. One such technology is
hypercubes. Hypercubes are multidimensional structures that could be used for
nanocomputers on a quantum level.
Fast Computers:
Magnetic fields created using nanotechnology could make computers up to 500 times
more powerful if new research is successful. Computers double in power every 18
months or so as scientists and engineers develop ways to make silicon chips smaller. But
in the next few years they will hit a limit imposed by the need to use electric wiring,
which weakens signals sent between computer components at high speed. The new
research project could produce a way of carrying electric signal without the need for
wiring.
The process, called inverse electron spin resonance, uses the magnetic field to deflect
electrons and to modify their magnetic direction. This creates oscillations of the electrons
which makes them produce microwave energy. This can then be used to broadcast
electric signals in free space without the weakening caused by wires. If this research is
successful, it could make computers with wireless semi-conductors a possibility within
five or ten years of the end of the project. Then computers could be made anything from
200 to 500 times quicker and still be the same size.
In medicine:
Imagine a world without cancer, a world without sickness and death. This dream is
possible due to the amazing world of nanotechnology-its subdivision- nanomedicine.
Nanomedicine can be defined as the application of nanotechnology to the prevention and
treatment of diseases in the human body. The molecular level at which nanotechnology
operates, gives it the possibility to repair or destroy cells and also replace them with
living bio-machines. Nanotechnology will aid the medical world in doing tasks at the
molecular level such as destroying cancerous cells and treating patients more accurately.
Nanotech has the potential to instantly diagnose and treat disease. That’s key in
developing countries. Meanwhile, in the developed world, nanotech will deliver medicine
into the hands of individuals.
Nanocomposites:
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a coating process
to make sponge-like silica latch onto toxic metals in water. Self-Assembled Monolayers
on Mesoporous Supports easily captures such metals as lead and mercury, which are then
recovered for reuse or contained in-place forever. A plastic nanocomposite is being used
for "step assists" in the GM Safari and Astro Vans. It is scratch-resistant, light-weight,
and rust-proof, and generates improvements in strength and reductions in weight, which
lead to fuel savings and increased longevity. It can be seen on areas of vehicles, as well
as the other auto manufactures, lowering weight, increasing milage, and creating longer-
lasting autos. Strong and light sounds are like the perfect recipe for a golf club, of
course, which is why so many golf club manufacturers are now devoting big bucks to
nano R&D.
Nanocrystals:
Nanocrystals of various metals have been found to be as much as 300 percent harder than
the same materials in bulk form. Because wear resistance often is dictated by the
hardness of a metal, parts made from nanocrystals might last significantly longer than
conventional parts. Metal nanocrystals might be used to produce bearings that last longer
than their conventional counterparts, new types of sensors and components for computers
and electronic hardware. Nanocrystals absorb then re-emit the light in a different color -
the size of the nanocrystal determines the color. Nanocrystals are an ideal light harvester
in photovoltaic devices. They absorb sunlight more strongly than dye molecules or bulk
semiconductor material, therefore high optical densities can be achieved while
maintaining the requirement of thin films.
Nanoparticles:
Sunscreens are utilizing nanoparticles that are extremely effective at absorbing light,
especially in the ultra-violet (UV) range. Due to the particle size, they spread more easily,
cover better, and save money since you use less. And they are transparent, unlike
traditional screens which are white. Using aluminum nanoparticles, rocket propellants
have been created that burn at double the rate. They also produce copper nanoparticles
that are incorporated into automotive lubricant to reduce engine wear.
Nanotubes:
Nanoledge – a reputed nanotech company- makes carbon nanotubes for commercial uses,
of which one daily use is in a tennis racket, made by Babolat. The yoke of the racket
bends less during ball impact, improving the player's performance. Everywhere strength
and weight are a factor - such as in the aerospace, automobile, and airplane industries -
they will have a major impact. Nanotube-based screens are in use everywhere.
Nano-structured materials:
Nanodyne makes a tungsten-carbide-cobalt composite powder (grain size less than 15nm)
that is used to make a sintered alloy as hard as diamond, which is in turn used to make
cutting tools, drill bits, armor plate, and jet engine parts.So,it impacts every industry that
requires hardness and durability.
Kodak has produced OLED color screens (made of nanostructured polymer films) for use
in car stereos and cell phones. OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes) enables thinner,
lighter, more flexible, less power consuming displays, and other consumer products such
as cameras, PDAs, laptops, televisions. This will slowly replace LCDs and Plasma just
like how CRT was replaced. OLED screens are thinnest as well as they can be bent to our
desire and help power-saving to a large extent.
Others:
Nanoclays and nanocomposites are used in packaging beer bottles, as a barrier, allowing
for thinner material, with a subsequently lighter weight, and greater shelf-life. Reduced
weight also means transportation costs decline.
Nanocomposite coatings are used in tennis balls. These days tennis balls have a
nanocomposite coating that keeps it bouncing twice as long as an old-style ball. Made by
InMat LLC, this nanocomposite is a mix of butyl rubber, intermingled with nanoclay
particles, giving the ball substantially longer shelf life.They are also used in tyres to make
it lighter (better mileage) and last longer (better cost performance).
Nanocatalysts will enable it to liquify coal and turn it into gas. The process uses a gel-
based nanoscale catalyst, which improves the efficiency and reduces the cost. It can
economically transform coal into diesel fuel and gasoline, coal-rich countries such as the
U.S., China and Germany could depend far less on imported oil. At the same time, acid-
rain pollution would be reduced because the liquefaction strips coal of harmful sulfur.
IMPLICATIONS:
Due to the far-ranging claims that have been made about potential applications of
nanotechnology, a number of serious concerns have been raised about what effects these
will have on our society if realized, and what action if any is appropriate to mitigate these
risks.
There are possible dangers that arise with the development of nanotechnology. The
Center for Responsible Nanotechnology suggests that new developments could result,
among other things, in untraceable weapons of mass destruction, networked cameras for
use by the government, and weapons developments fast enough to destabilize arms races.
Another major area of concern is the effect that industrial-scale manufacturing and use of
nanomaterials would have on human health and the environment, as suggested by
nanotoxicology research. Groups such as the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
have advocated that nanotechnology should be specially regulated by governments for
these reasons. But others counter this kind of overregulation saying it would hinder
scientific research and the development of innovations which could greatly benefit
mankind.
Berkeley, California is currently the only city in the United States to regulate
nanotechnology; Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2008 considered enacting a similar law,
but ultimately rejected this.Amid the global economic crisis and job cuts,there is threat to
job losses as well
Safety:
Nanomedicine holds great significance for the future, particularly for diseases such as
cancer and viral infections, but safety concerns have recently attracted great attention and
with the technology evolving rapidly, there is a need to find a way to protect workers and
consumers from any toxic effects that might come with it.
OTHER IMPACTS:
Renewable Energy:
In 2000, according to IEA, world energy statistics 2002, all renewables contributed only
13.8% of the world’s energy supply. This included 2.3% hydroenergy, 11% combustible
renewables and waste, and 0.5% other, including geothermal, solar, wind, heat etc. The
outlook for 2010 is a reduction in all renewable energies to 12.9% and for 2020 to 2.3%
of total energy supply assuming no new measures are taken. Total energy consumption is
forecast to grow by 20% by 2020. CO2 production will grow by 14% unless new policy
measures are implemented. There is also need to reduce CO2 production by 8%
compared to 1990,as there have been pressure from all-over the world because of impacts
of CO2 in climate change. They are committed to increasing the share of renewables in
total energy supply from 6-12% and to improve energy efficiency. Energy security is also
a reason for some governments to invest in alternative energy sources. Energy security
means that governments want to reduce the dependence on one energy source, such as
oil, the supply of which can be threatened by conflicts in strategic regions such as the
middle east.
For some of the needs for new energy transformation technologies, researchers are
developing new nanostructured materials or nanocomponents. Fuel cells for transforming
hydrogen or other gasses (natural gas, methanol) into electricity is a well known example.
But researchers are also working on less visible nanotechnologies such as catalysts and
membranes for separating different types of gases. These can be used in fuel cells or
other energy transforming technologies.
Solar Photovoltaics
Thin film nanostructured alternatives which are currently on the market use an active
layer of microns thickness, deposited on a cheap substrate such as glass. These
alternatives include amorphous silicon, which is best known from its use in pocket
calculators, but is also used in solar panels, on the market for about 15 years. Amorphous
silicon is cheaper than crystalline silicon, because it uses 300x less active material. The
efficiency is much lower, less than 10% compared to 15%.
Two other available thin film alternatives which entered the market are Copper Indium
diSelenide (CIS), and Cadmium Telluride CdTe. The market chances of the CdTe
technology may be diminished because of environmental concerns. Cadmium is a toxic
material.
Metallic III-V high performance cells are mostly used in space applications, but also in
concentrator cells. Concentrator cells consist of a relatively expensive efficient solar cell,
and a device which funnels the incoming sunlight from a wider area to the cell. In the lab,
efficiencies up to 40% have been measured. But real world manufacturing never achieves
the same high efficiencies.
One problem with thin film solar PV based on nanotechnology is that energy conversion
is even less efficient than in crystalline silicon. According to a spokesperson from BP
Solar (2006), the main bottleneck in thin film PV manufacturing is that nobody can
produce large enough areas of the thin films on an industrial scale.
Batteries:
Batteries are needed to supply electrical energy when you can’t get it from the electricity
grid. This includes mobile applications such as mobile phones, walkmans, but also home
or even village power supply in remote areas and in back up systems in case the grid goes
down. In the future, rechargeable batteries will be even more needed in combination with
renewable electricity production such as by solar photovoltaics. The sun does not shine
when you need the light the most: at night. Even though at the moment both rechargeable
and non-rechargeable batteries are available on the market, the trend is towards
rechargeables.
There are basically two types of rechargeable batteries where nanostructured materials
are applied. The first and most advanced is Lithium based, for example Li-ion batteries.
These are dry batteries. The other type, wet batteries, uses basically the same materials as
for hydrogen storage, and are based on metal hydrides, where hydrogen is the chemical
energy carrier, or carbon nanotubes.
ETHICS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY:
A strong set of operating principles is needed - standards by which we can lead ourselves
to a healthier future and prevent weapons development and other hazards.There has been
calls for tighter regulation of nanotechnology alongside a growing debate related to the
human health and safety risks associated with nanotechnology.
The following are some ethical guidelines from both Foresight Institute, The Center for
Responsible Nanotechnology (CRN),and The Nanoethics Group :
* Nanotechnology's highest and best use should be to create a world of abundance where
no one is lacking for their basic needs. Those needs include adequate food, safe water, a
clean environment, housing, medical care, education, public safety, fair labor,
unrestricted travel, artistic expression and freedom from fear and oppression.
* High priority must be given to the efficient and economical global distribution of the
products and services created by nanotechnology. We recognize the need for reasonable
return on investment, but we must also recognize that our planet is small and we all
depend upon each other for safety, stability, even survival.
* Published debates over nanotechnology, including chat room discussions, should focus
on advancing the merits of the arguments rather than personal attacks, such as
questioning the motives of opponents.
* Business models in the field should incorporate long-term, sustainable practices, such
as the efficient use of resources, recycling of toxic materials, adequate compensation for
workers and other fair labor practices.
* Industry leaders should be collaborative and self-regulating, but also support public
education in the sciences and reasonable legislation to deal with legal and social issues
associated with nanotechnology.
Which of the following technologies do you believe will have the greatest
impact on your every-day life ten years from now?
Unsurprisingly, most people believed nanotech and genetic engineering to have major
impacts in future.With concept of cloning , hereditary variations various kinds of DNA
mutation : apparently swine flu is also said to be caused because of DNA mutation-
genetic engineering seems to have massive impact. Nanotechnology was seen to have the
second greatest impact, trailing only genetic engineering.
Solar power - Gathering and storing energy from the light of the sun: 15%
I personally think nanotechnology will definitely have a lot of impact, but unfortunately
it will take about 10-15 years . Genetic engineering also has a long way to go. Solar
power will grow immensely in the next ten years, and for developing country like Nepal
it could help us overcome electricity crisis to some extent. I doubt fusion power will be
there yet, and the same thing goes for it as for solar. You can never say for certain about
uninvented technologies.