Nanomaterial And Nanotechnology

Nanomaterial and nanotechnology are advancing fields which used in various industries. We are going to explain some important points about nanomaterial and nanotechnology.

Definition of nanoparticles, classes of nanoparticles, classification of nanoparticles on the base of nature, properties of nanoparticles, characterization techniques, challenges and future direction, application of nanomaterials., synthesis of nanoparticles.

Definition of nanoparticles:

The material having size between 1 to 100 nanometers and made up with carbon, metal and metal oxides or organic matter

Classes of nanoparticles:

• Metalic nanoparticles such as au, pd, zn, cu
• Metal oxide such as cuo, zno etc
• Composites (mixture of metal -metal or metal- metal oxide e.g cu/zno, ag/zno

Classification based on nature of nanoparticles:

1: organic nanoparticles:

These nanoparticles are biodegradable, and non-toxic.

Some particles have hollow cores also known as nano capsules i.e micelles and liposomes

These nanoparticles are mostly used in biomedical field for example drug delivery system

Shapes of nanoparticles:

Nano particles have spherical and cylindrical shapes

2: inorganic nanoparticles:

Metal and metal oxide-based nanoparticles having size between 10nm to 100nm generally known as inorganic nanoparticles

Almost all metals can be synthesized from metals-based nanoparticles

For example, cobalt(co), gold (au), iron (fe) and silver(ag)

Inorganic nanoparticles based on metal oxide are synthesized to modify the properties of respective metal -based nanoparticles.

For example, aluminium oxide (al2o3), cerium oxide (ceo2), and silicon oxide (sio2)

Carbon based nanoparticles:

Carbon nano tubes (cnt) are cylinders of one or more layers of graphene wound into hollow cylinders to form nanotubes of diameters as low as 0. 7nm for single layered and 100nm for multi-layered cnt and length varying from a few micrometers to several millimeters

Carbon nanocones:

Conical structure made from carbon and have at least one- dimension of the order on micrometer or smaller. These are obtained from wrapped graphene sheets.

From electron microscopy, it is clear that opening angle(apex) of cone is not arbitrary but has preferred values of approximately 20°, 40°, and 60°.

Carbon black:

An amorphous material which have diameter from 20 to 70nm and made up with carbon.

The interaction between the particles are very high that 500nm agglomerate are formed

Carbon nanowires:

The structure which has the diameter of the order of nanometer and longer in length these are called quantum wires because at this scale they have different mechanical effects.

Examples:

Carbon nanowire, molecular nanowire, and metallic nanowire

Characteristics of nanoparticles:

At the nanoscale, materials exhibit unique optical, magnetic, electrical, and physical properties that differ from their bulk counterparts.

The small size, high surface area, and reactivity of nanomaterials

 hydrothermal synthesis.

Characterization techniques:

Electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy, are used to analyze the size, shape, composition, and structure of nanomaterials.

Challenges and future directions:

Challenges in the field of nanomaterials include ensuring safe handling and use, developing reliable characterization methods, and addressing regulatory concerns.

Future research will focus on developing green and sustainable nanomaterials, improving large-scale production methods, and exploring novel applications in fields like energy storage, water treatment, and biomedicine.

As nanomaterials and nanotechnology continue to advance, it is crucial to balance the benefits with a thorough understanding of potential risks and the development of appropriate safety measures. Ongoing research and collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industries will be essential for realizing the full potential of these transformative technologies.

Applications of nanomaterials:

Nanomaterials are used in a wide range of applications, including electronics, ict, photonics, pharmaceuticals, medicine, cosmetics, catalysts, lubricants, paints, coatings, environmental remediation, and composite materials.

Examples of nanomaterials used in these applications include carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, graphene, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide, iron, and polyurethane.

Potential health and environmental hazards

While nanomaterials offer many benefits, there are also concerns about their potential health and environmental impacts.

Nanomaterials can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, and may cause inflammation, oxidative damage, and genetic damage.

Fibrous nanomaterials, such as some carbon nanotubes, can persist in the lungs and potentially cause harm similar to asbestos.

Synthesis and characterization techniques

Nanomaterials can be synthesized using top-down and bottom-up approaches, such as chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel methods.

 

By

Aqsa Fatima, Master of Philosophy and Research Scholar in Chemistry

Rumana Gull, Scholar Master of Philosophy Biological Sciences

Abid Hussain Nawaz, Ph.D.