42 SAGULO, ASHLEY FERN B.
SCIENCE 100 - 1D-B
WHAT
IS
NANOTECHNOLOGY?
DEFINITION
Nanotechnology refers to the branch
of science and engineering devoted
to designing, producing, and using
structures, devices, and systems by
manipulating atoms and molecules
at nanoscale, i.e. having one or more
dimensions of the order of 100
nanometres or less.
TYPES
TOP-DOWN
This involves creating nanostructures by
removing material from a larger piece through
techniques such as lithography and etching.
BOTTOM-UP This involves building nanostructures from individual
atoms or molecules through self-assembly and other
techniques.
WET NANO
It is used to manufacture structures in coal, silicon,
inorganic materials, metals and semiconductors
that do not work with humidity.
DRY NANO
It involves manipulating particles in a gas or
vacuum environment.
PROS
CONS
Improved materials.
Health risks.
Better medical
treatments.
Environmental risk.
Enhanced energy
efficiency.
Increased agricultural
yields.
Expensive.
Job displacement.
Ethical concerns.
SOME EXAMPLES AND APPLICATIONS
Electronics
Carbon nanotubes are close to replacing silicon as a material for
making smaller, faster and more efficient microchips and devices, as
well as lighter, more conductive and stronger quantum nanowires.
Food
n Nanotechnology is used in the development of food packaging
materials that can prevent spoilage and contamination.
Textile
Nanotechnology makes it possible to develop smart fabrics that don't
stain nor wrinkle, as well as stronger, lighter and more durable
materials to make motorcycle helmets or sports equipment.