History of nanotechnology

The first use of the concepts in 'nano-technology' (but predating use of that name) was in "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom," a talk given by physicist Richard Feynman at an American Physical Society meeting at Caltech on December 29, 1959. Feynman described a process by which the ability to manipulate individual atoms and molecules might be developed, using one set of precise tools to build and operate another proportionally smaller set, so on down to the needed scale. In the course of this, he noted, scaling issues would arise from the changing magnitude of various physical phenomena: gravity would become less important, surface tension and Van der Waals attraction would become more important, etc. This basic idea appears plausible, and exponential assembly enhances it with parallelism to produce a useful quantity of end products. The term "nanotechnology" was defined by Tokyo Science University Professor Norio Taniguchi in a 1974 paper as follows: "'Nano-technology' mainly consists of the processing of, separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials by one atom or by one molecule." In the 1980s the basic idea of this definition was explored in much more depth by Dr. K. Eric Drexler, who promoted the technological significance of nano-scale phenomena and devices through speeches and the books Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology (1986) and Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing, and Computation and so the term acquired its current sense. Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology is considered the first book on the topic of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology and nanoscience got started in the early 1980s with two major developments; the birth of cluster science and the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). This development led to the discovery of fullerenes in 1986 and carbon nanotubes a few years later. In another development, the synthesis and properties of semiconductor nanocrystals was studied; This led to a fast increasing number of metal oxide nanoparticles of quantum dots. The atomic force microscope was invented six years after the STM was invented. In 2000, the United States National Nanotechnology Initiative was founded to coordinate Federal nanotechnology research and development.

NEW TRENDS ON ELECTROCHEMICAL NANO-TECHNOLOGIES

NEW TRENDS ON ELECTROCHEMICAL NANO-TECHNOLOGIES

Nano-processing and nano-technology have attracted much attention in the past decades and have been utilized for fabricating information storage devices, chip interconnects, microelectronic packaging, micromechanical components, and sensors. Electrochemical nano-processing method, particularly, is a powerful technique as already shown in its applications to fabrication of magnetic recording heads or the ULSI interconnects. In the fabrication of magnetic recording heads, an electrochemical paddle plating system with a frame plating method enabled us to form a shape of three-dimensional complexity in micro-size patterning. Neither conventional dry processes nor conventional technologies of
electroplating and etching have realized such a nano-scale fabrication. Namely, the electrochemical paddle plating is a great innovation contributing to the creation of new technologies. On the other hand, we found the basic idea how to control the interface between electrode and electrolyte on the basis of atomic level mono- or sub-adsorbed layer (ad-atom layer) and, indeed, applied it to the fabrication of high-density magnetic recording medium with electroless deposition. The basic idea and the combination of the idea with nano-fabrication using electrochemical method have led to our successes in electrochemical nano-technologies. Nowadays, electrochemical wet processes are practically used in a clean room with a filtering apparatus for fabricating fine patterned devices.
We developed electrodeposition methods to fabricate CoNiFe1 and CoFe2 soft magnetic thin films with high saturation magnetic flux density for realizing an ultra high density magnetic recording system. In the field of interconnects in ULSI, the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) for direct bonding to SiO2 and the novel electroless deposition method for barrier layer were developed. In the field of bio-sensor devices, we proposed a significant process for ISFET with lithography using SAM for very small pH sensor and, moreover, the new bio-sensing system was successfully fabricated on the basis of the ISFET. The next stage energy devices for electronics such as a small DMFC were also fabricated . In this paper, new trends in the electrochemical nano-technology are introduced on the basis of the above-mentioned research works on magnetic devices, interconnects for ultra large scale integrated circuit (ULSI) devices, bio-sensor devices and energy storage devices.

Source: Tetsuya Osaka
Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering,
Waseda University

Source: Tetsuya Osaka

Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering,

Waseda University

Nanotech innovations

Nanotech Innovations recognizes the demand for a reliable and affordable source of high purity carbon nanotubes. Purchasing these materials from a supplier can be costly and in many cases the sample may contain large amounts of catalyst and amorphous carbon impurities. We deliver a Single-Step Process and instrumentation that resolve these issues for those looking to incorporate nanotubes into their education curricula, research, or product development endeavors.
Benchtop:
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With a footprint of less than 4 sq.ft., the SSP-354 can be located virtually anywhere in your lab, even within standard fume hoods. The novel translucent gold shielding dramatically reduces radiative heating outside the furnace, while allowing visual inspection of the deposition process in motion.
If you are enthusiastic to integrate nanotechnology into your research or curricula, look no further. We provide the system, materials and process conditions for you to harvest carbon nanotubes in just a few hours.
simple:
Our Single-Step Process eliminates the need for catalyst predepostion on the CNT growth surface, reducing the time and effort required by other synthesis methods.
Technology:
Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most important raw materials for use in tomorrow’s products. They pack the conductivity and strength of graphene sheets within nanoscale cylinders exhibiting extreme length-to-diameter aspect ratios. As such, CNTs are poised to continue impacting the materials, electronics, medical and energy sectors.

Don’t be left behind. The SSP-354 is a simple to use chemical vapor deposition system providing you full control of the growth parameters for your desired CNTs. With just a single feedstock, high quality CNTs are grown on a quartz substrate that can reused over and over again.
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Our system also alleviates the time and effort typically required for post-growth purification. Raw CNTs prepared by the SSP-354 are low in residual catalyst and amorphous carbon impurities, as demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectrometry and electron microscopy. Our staff provide the expertise to get CNTs working for you today, not tomorrow.

What is nanotechnology?

What is nanotechnology?
Where did it come from, and how long has it been around?Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter at nanometer length scales to produce new materials, structures and devices. The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) defines a technology as nanotechnology only if it involves all of the following:* Research and technology development involving structures with at least one dimension in approximately the 1-100 nanometer range, frequently with atomic/molecular precision.* Creating and using structures, devices and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their nanometer scale dimensions.* Ability to control or manipulate on the atomic scale.Nanostructured materials do not represent a new phenomenon. For example, the red and yellow hues in stained glass dating from medieval times result from the presence of nanometer-diameter gold and silver particles. However, the ability to probe, manipulate, understand and engineer matter at atomic scales has only recently come within our grasp. In a 1959 lecture titled “There’s plenty of room at the bottom”, the Nobel laureate Professor Richard P. Feynman introduced the idea of a new and exciting field of research based on manipulating matter at the atomic level. At the time, Professor Feynman’s predictions were based on theoretical speculation. However, developments such as the invention of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope in 1981 have since made nanoscale science a reality. Nanotechnology is now a rapidly growing field of research and development that is cutting across many traditional boundaries.What kinds of nanomaterials (nanoproducts) are in production or use in the U.S.?An increasing number of products and materials are becoming commercially available. These include nanoscale powders, solutions and suspensions of nanoscale materials as well as composite materials and devices having a nanostructure. Nanoscale titanium dioxide for instance is finding uses in cosmetics, sun block creams and self-cleaning windows, and nanoscale silica is being used as a filler in a range of products, including dental fillings. Recently, a number of new or “improved” consumer products using nanotechnology have entered the market (such as stain and wrinkle-free fabrics incorporating "nanowhiskers" and longer-lasting tennis balls using butyl-rubber/nanoclay composites). Nano-coatings and nano-composites are being used in a wide range of consumer products from bicycles to automobiles. Further details on existing products can be found at www.nano.gov/html/facts/appsprod.htmlWhy is NIOSH conducting research on nanotechnology and occupational health?NIOSH is conducting research on nanotechnology and occupational health within the scope of its mission to help answer questions that are critical for supporting the responsible development of nanotechnology and for advancing U.S. leadership in the competitive global market. These questions include: Are workers exposed to nanomaterials in the manufacture and use of nanomaterials, and if so what are the characteristics and levels of exposures? Are there potential adverse health effects of working with nanomaterials? What work practices, personal protective equipment, and engineering controls are available, and how effective are they for controlling exposures to nanomaterials? NIOSH is addressing these questions through a program of multi-disciplinary research, communication, and partnership with other agencies, organizations, and stakeholders. What knowledge or expertise does NIOSH bring to this research?NIOSH’s role stems from its mission as the Federal institute that conducts research and makes recommendations in occupational safety and health. For more than 30 years, NIOSH has led research to define and address occupational health concerns related to emerging technologies and workplace practices. To its research on nanotechnology and occupational health, NIOSH brings:* Experience in defining the characteristics and properties of ultrafine particles such as welding fume and diesel particulate, which have some features in common with engineered nanomaterials.* Capability of conducting advanced health effects laboratory studies.* Historic leadership in industrial hygiene policies and practices.* Close research partnerships with diverse stakeholders in industry, labor, the government, and academia.How does the NIOSH research program relate to other government efforts associated with research and development in nanotechnology?NIOSH is working in partnership with other government agencies primarily through participation in the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative, a federal R&D program established to coordinate the multiagency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. The NNI is managed within the framework of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). NIOSH is a member of the NTSC’s Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee (NSET). Within that subcommittee, it co-chairs, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the interagency Nanotechnology, Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group. NIOSH’s collaboration with other agencies includes a joint grant solicitation with the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Science Foundation to fund new research on questions of environmental and human health effects of manufactured nanomaterials.How many workers are potentially exposed to nanoparticles?NIOSH is unaware of any comprehensive statistics on the number of people in the U.S. employed in all occupations or industries in which they might be exposed to engineered, nano-diameter particles in the production or use of nanomaterials. Perhaps because of the relative newness of the nanotechnology industry, there appear to be no current, comprehensive data from official survey sources, such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).The magazine SMALL TIMES has reported a partial figure. In a 2004 survey, it estimated that 24,388 people are employed in companies engaged only in nanotechnology. This total includes all people employed in those companies, not simply those engaged in research or manufacturing jobs that may involve exposure to nano-diameter, engineered particles. The survey did not include the number of people who may work in companies that engage in nanotechnology only as part of a larger corporate portfolio. The survey is expected to be updated this year, retaining its focus on employment in companies that are engaged only in nanotechnology.How may workers potentially be exposed to nanoparticles?Nanomaterials that can be inhaled, ingested or that can penetrate the skin will likely raise questions of potential health effects. Processes that lead to airborne nanometer-diameter particles, respirable nanostructured particles (typically smaller than 4 micrometers) and respirable droplets of nanomaterial suspensions, solutions and slurries are of particular concern for potential inhalation exposures.

Will nanotechnology reduces the 'natural monopoly' character in water industry?

The answer is likely to be yes, but if the question is how, maybe the its the engineers that should answer. What is relevant to be discussed is, "what is the legal implication"?

Most water industries are heavily regulated, because it is a natural monopoly (i.e. more seller means higher price, one seller is optimum price). I have red a research indicating that the scale of natural monopolies in the water industry varies. In the developed economy and high-tech countries, the scale of the natural monopoly reduces.

Thus, a reduction in the character of natural monopoly will allow more competitor to enter the market. For example, in water industry, more water supplier might be able to enter the common carriage through an economically feasible schemes. Regulators and network owners should not prevent them from entering these 'essential facilities' because it could amount to a violation of competition law.

This also implies that governments may need to adjust its regulatory mechanism.

But before we discuss this further, I'd like to hear from the engineers. In what way would nanotech makes water purification/treatment cheaper?

Stratfor on Nanotechnology

Startfor issued a short article on regulating nanotechnology. There's nothing in this article that we have not discuss, it seems, but one conclusion captures my attention:

Many see REACH as more protective of public health and the environment than TSCA. As such, there is a growing movement in the United States for the adoption of REACH-like chemical regulations. For those calling for a complete reassessment of TSCA, the revolution in nanotechnology has come at the right time. They argue that TSCA cannot cope with the challenges of nanotechnology, so therefore the law should be revamped to prepare for the next wave of technology. A number of states are currently considering their own REACH-like laws, and the "opening" of TSCA (Capitol Hill-speak for rewriting the law) seems increasingly likely in the coming years.

We have discussed this possibility on the EU-US "gap" post, but we see that if this conclusion is correct, then the US is moving towards filling the gap somewhere in the future.

Gems Gems like eyes

Aurora - SOLD

I think my eyes are starting to complain about all this close up work, I need nagging to go to the opticians! Years ago, and I mean B.E (Before Elli) in fact B.M (Before marriage) I had my eyes tested as my Auntie was diagnosed with Glaucoma, I need glasses for close up work, I had them as a Birthday gift (very expensive) and I hated wearing them. At the time I worked as a photographers assistant - setting up lights, booking in clients, sorting through the photographs, adding client base to computor, loading film etc. My head was up and down and I started getting headaches from glasses on and off, or in my case not taking them off at the right moments. So guess what I gave up wearing them.....

Tundra - RESERVED

Of course I now need to be rechecked and my eyes are so sore in the evenings, I think they are crying for help. I'm just so bad at gtting myself checked out for some reason... you'd think after all my health scares I would be the opposite, sadly anything which is slightly invasive of my person I run screaming for the hills. WEll I suppose there's always more valium ....

ANd yes I am joking ;p

India all set for nanotechnology revolution

India is all set for a nanotechnology revolution, which would dramatically improve the standard of life of the people and find solutions to major problems in health, agriculture and water management, according to an internationally well known researcher in the field.
"Nanotechnology revolution will be more effective than the Information Technology and Bio-technology boom. Only a few nations in the world are striving for efficient use of nanotechnology and India is in a promising position among them," Katesh Katti, head of the Radiology Department, Missouri University at Colombia, USA, told PTI.
Katti was here to attend a two-day international colloquium on "NANO-Technology - Gateway to a promising future", organised by the SDM College of Engineering and Technology yesterday.
He said the Union technology ministry has also realised the significance of nanotechnology and decided to spend Rs 1,000 crore for research in this field in the next five years.
Outlining the various uses of nanotechnology, he said nano particles of silver can destroy bacteria and the technology can make the environment bacteria-free. Its applications range from clearing of toilets to treatment of bacteria-borne diseases. It can also kill all bacteria in water, enabling supply of pure water to the people, he said.
Medical science would also derive huge benefits from use of nanotechnology as detection and treatment of serious diseases like AIDS and cancer would be easier.
With increasing importance of power generation through non-conventional energy sources, nanotechnology would be of great help as it could considerably increase the capacity of photovoltaic cells - to generate electricity by solar power, Katti added.

New Trends in Light Scattering

Enormous theoretical and instrumental progress has been made in both static (SLS) and dynamic (DLS) light scattering as well as small-angle X-ray (SAXS) and neutron (SANS) scattering within the last few years. Here I shall give first a brief introduction, before I then demonstrate a few non-standard applications of the techniques to systems that are of particular interest in nanotechnology and materials sciences. Special emphasis is given to light scattering methods that allow access both to turbid and solid-like systems such as concentrated suspensions of polymer colloids, glasses or gels. In dynamic light scattering it is nowadays possible to cover an extended range of relaxation times from a few nanoseconds to minutes or hours. This opens up the possibility to use DLS for applications such as optical microrheology that allow us to obtain information about the viscoelastic properties of complex media.

Future Trends For Nanotechnology and the Application of Nanotechnology in Solar Cells, Nanofibres, Sensors, Ultra Light Materials

Background

Materials scientists and engineers have made significant developments in the improvement of methods of synthesis of nanomaterial solids. A brief review of future trends in nanotechnology developments is given in this article.

Future Trends

Unprecedented opportunities are arising for re-engineering existing products. For example, cluster of atoms (nanodots, macromolecules), nanocrystalline structured materials (grain size less than 100 nm), fibres less than 100 nm in diameter (nanorods and nanotubes), films less than 100 nm in thickness provide a good base to develop further new nanocomponents and materials.

The buckyball (C60) has opened up a excellent field of chemistry and material science with many exciting applications because of its ability to accept electrons. Carbon nanotubes have shown a promising potential in the safe, effective and risk free storage of hydrogen gas in fuel cells, increasing the prospects of wide uses of fuel cells and replacement of internal combustion engine. The potential of nanotubes can be further exploited in oil and gas industry. The nanotube market is likely to hit 1.35 billion dollars in 2005. Nanotechnology offers a myriad of applications for production of new gas sensors, optical sensors, chemical sensors, and other energy conversion devices to bio implants.

Solar Cells

Nanoporous oxide films such as TiO2 are being used to enhance photo voltaic cell technology. Nanoparticles are perfect to absorb solar energy and they can be used in very thin layers on conventional metals to absorb incident solar energy. New solar cells are based on nanoparticles of semi conductors, nanofilms and nanotubes by embedding in a charge transfer medium. Films formed by sintering of nanometric particles of TiO2 (diameter 10-20 nm) combine high surface area, transparency, excellent stability and good electrical conductivity and are ideal for photovoltaic applications. Non porous oxide films are highly promising material for photovoltaic applications. Nanotechnology opens the opportunity to produce cheaper and friendlier solar cells.

Nanofibres

In China and U.K., nanocarbon fibres have been produced. The production of nanofibres offers the potential of using the woven reinforcement as body armor. The future soldier’s uniform would incorporate soft woven ultra strong fabric with capabilities to become rigid when a soldier breaks his legs and would protect him against pollution, poisoning and enemy hazards.

Sensors

Nanotechnology offers unlimited opportunities to produce new generation pressure, chemical, magneto resistive and anti-collision automobile sensors. Many of the novel applications such as new sensors, better photovoltaic cells, lighter and strong materials for defense, aerospace and automotives are already in use, and applications such as anti-corrosion coating, tougher and harder cutting tools, and medical implants and chips with 1 nm features may be developed in another 5-15 years. Nanostructured materials for nanoelectronic components, ultra fast processors, nanorobots for body parts are still in the state of infancy.
Spending and Investment

Despite the hype surrounding nanotechnology, the progress achieved in the last five years is remarkable as shown by dramatic public spending in recent years. The total global investment in nanotechnology is currently around 5 billion euros, two billion of which comes from the private sector.

Ultra Light Materials

Nanotechnology is viewed as a key technology for the development of ultra light materials which would result in energy, fuel and materials savings and development of spectacular materials with complete control over structure and properties at a subatomic level not hitherto known to scientists and engineers. With the future development of nanocatalyst, diesel oxidant using nanoscale layers of Pt, Pd, the major environmental killers smog, pollution and toxic pesticide would be eliminated and humans will be able to breathe in healthy air. Improvement in nanofilters would enable bacteria less than 30 nm to be filtered and achieve water purity of 99.999997. The future avalanche of nano-age involves replacement of existing chips by super chips, plastic semiconductors, stronger and lighter jet fighters, amazingly invisible clothing for soldiers, super fuel cells and super batteries. The next twenty years would unleash a new era of nanotechnology when a fullerene molecule (C6) would be described in a high school chemistry book and all materials science textbooks would contain chapters on nanomaterials.

Corrosion and Corrosion Prevention

Despite the progress in understanding the structure of nanomaterials, there is no evidence to show that nanomaterials are more resistant to corrosion than their conventional counterparts. A typical feature of nanomaterials is the defect core structure, which is caused by incorporation of vacancies, dislocations, grains or interphase boundaries, which alter the density and conduction in defect core regions where 50% of the atoms are located. All misfits are concentrated in the grain boundary. The grain boundary is associated with high diffusivity and higher electrical resistivity. Solute atoms with little solubility also segregate into the boundary regions. Summing up, the grain boundary region is highly active in nanomaterials. Nanograin size, enhanced diffusivity and concentration of defects would make grain boundary sensitive to attack by corrosion. Increased electrical resistivity due to electron scattering would enhance corrosion resistance. Increased number of grain boundaries would also lead to development of more anodic sites for nucleation of corrosion. Theoretically, the structural evidence does not present an optimistic picture of corrosion resistance. There is no clear evidence to prove that nanomaterials are more resistant to corrosion than conventional materials. This is in contrast to the corrosion prevention of nanostructured materials as the studies on coatings have proved. Nanoparticles incorporated in coatings have shown a dramatic resistance to corrosion of the substrate due to their hydrophilic, anti-wear, anti-friction and self-cleaning properties. Engine components are subjected to severe environmental stimulus for corrosion. Diesel engines produce sulfuric acid and formic acid as combustion products. Nano Zirconia powder has been used to coat engine components by plasma spray with success. Nanocoatings create a lotus effect and properties, which keeps corrosion away.



Primary author: Dr. Zaki Ahmad

Source: Mechanical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals