English

Assignment
Uses of
Nanotechnology

Submitted by,
M.Shruthi
1st Year CSE-B
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14/09/2014

Introduction:
Nanotechnology is the ability to synthesize, characterize and manipulate
matter which is less than 100 nm in size. These materials exhibit entirely
different physical and chemical properties. Hence these materials can have
a wide range of applications which are of much importance to mankind some
of which are listed below.

Solar cells:
Nanoparticles are being used to provide improved performance coatings for
photovoltaic and solar thermal panels. This provides hydrophobic and selfcleaning properties to these panels and maintains maximum energy
efficiency.

Water Treatment:
Nanomaterials have very high specific surface area. This increases
dissolution, reactivity and sorption of contaminants present in water. So,
they are used in reverse osmosis, nanofiltration membranes, nanofibre
filters, etc. Nanotechnology is expected to deal with contaminants like
bacteria, viruses and heavy metals, which conventional water treatment
systems, struggle to treat.

Pollution control:
Buckminsterfullerene, which is a carbon molecule of nanoscale, has the
ability to control certain chemical reactions. Research is being carried out
on its role in controlling pollution.

Drug delivery:
Nanotechnology makes it possible to deliver drugs to specific cells using
nanoparticles. This is called targeted drug delivery. This reduces the
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drug consumption and side-effects as no higher dose are needed. Nanoscale

implants are less invasive, have less biochemical reaction time and are more
sensitive. Nanoparticles have high surface area to volume ratio and allow
the attachment of many functional groups which can accumulate in tumour
sites and bind to tumour cells. Hence they can potentially be a cure to
cancer.

Food:
Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and
packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating can check the entry of
microbes and gas in food packets. It can also be applied to detect chemical
and biological substances present in food.

Textiles:
Nanofibres can make clothes water and stain-repellent and wrinkle-free.
They can be washed less frequently and at lower temperatures.

Cosmetics:
Nanoparticles like titanium oxide have been used in sunscreens. They offer
comparable UV protection as the conventional bulky sunscreens but reduce
the undesirable whitening.

Military:
Nanoparticles injected into uniforms can increase durability and offer
protection from high temperature, impacts and chemicals. They can also be
used to create a better camouflage by changing the colour of the uniform
according to the surroundings. Nanotechnology can also provide thermal
camouflage and protect the soldiers from people who are using night vision
technology. It can also provide a medical surveillance system.

Conclusion:
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Nanotechnology, if used in the right manner can be of immense use to

mankind. But it can be misused as well. So, the use of nanotechnology
should be properly regulated and research should be conducted for reaping
the benefits of this technology.