INTRODUCTION TO

NANOTECHNOLOGY
https://www.edenias.com/

Nanotechnology is science and engineering at the scale of atoms and molecules. It

is the manipulation and use of materials and devices so tiny that nothing can be
built any smaller.

Nanomaterials are typically between 0.1 and 100 nanometers (nm) in size – with
1 nm being equivalent to one billionth of a meter (10-9 m).

The term was coined in 1974 by Norio Taniguichi of Tokyo Science University to
describe semiconductor processes such as thin-film deposition that deal with
control on the order of nanometers. His definition still stands as the basic
statement today: “Nano-technology mainly consists of the processing of
separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials by one atom or one
molecule.”

Advantages of Nanotechnology:

• In medicine, we are already seeing research on: New ways to deliver drugs with
contact lenses; the directing of drugs to tumors with tiny “smart bombs“; gold
“nano-bullets” that seek-and-destroy tumors; starving cancer with nanoparticles;
diagnosing diseases such as Alzheimer’s, monitoring health and fighting sickness
with tiny probes; and growing new organs from scratch.

• In computing nanoscience may lead to smaller or more powerful microchips

with increased capacity and dramatic reductions in the size of hard discs. Some
experiments have even shown that it might be possible to manufacture tiny parts
for computers inside bacteria. Quantum computing and quantum cryptography
also rely on advances in nanotechnology. In fact, existing computer chips are
already manufactured taking.

• In environmental science nanotechnology is providing ways to detect and filter

bacteria and toxins out of water supplies and clear up heavy metal and organic
chemical pollution.

Nanoscience has already benefited the environment with the development of

the catalytic converter – which detoxifies engine fumes the world over. Further
innovations are leading to smaller, more efficient batteries, advanced solar power
and fuel cells and catalytic diesel additives that improve fuel efficiency.

In addition, new and powerful light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may soon replace
conventional light bulbs, offering huge energy savings. LEDs are built with
semiconductors, increasingly developed at the nanoscale.

• In military technology governments are splashing cash on developing new,

lightweight equipment and weapons, bullet-proof battle-suits that can morph to
provide camouflage or even stiffen to provide splints for broken limbs, and
nanosensors that might detect chemical or biological perils.

Concerns:

• One of the biggest disadvantage that world is facing because of nanotechnology

is the lack of employment in the fields of traditional farming and manufacturing
and industrial sector because of the vast development in the nanotechnology.
Nanotech devices and machines have taken place of human to work faster and
accurately which has lessen the importance of men power in the field of practical
work

• Atomic weapons can now be more accessible and made to be more powerful
and more destructive. These can also become more accessible with
nanotechnology.

• Since these particles are very small, problems can actually arise from the
inhalation of these minute particles, much like the problems a person gets from
inhaling minute asbestos particles.

• Presently, nanotechnology is very expensive and developing it can cost you a

lot of money. It is also pretty difficult to manufacture, which is probably why
products made with nanotechnology are more expensive.
Nanotechnology and India:

Nano mission:
• The Nano Mission is an umbrella programme of Government of India for
overall development in the field of Nano technology through studies, research
and innovations.

• Nano technology deals with variety of applications in medical, space,

telecommunications, food processing and environmental protection.

• Acknowledging its vast potential, the Department of Science and Technology

(DST) launched a programme called Nano Science and Technology Initiative
(NIST) in 2001. The Nano Mission is successor of this programme. The
Government approved Nano Mission in 2007.

• Today, India has emerged 6th worldwide in terms of scientific publications.

OBJECTIVES:

• Promotion of basic research

• Infrastructure Development for Nano Science and Technology Research- it is

proposed to establish a chain of shared facilities across the country.

• Nano Application and Technology Development Programmes- the Mission

proposes to promote application-oriented Research and Development (R&D)
Projects.

• Human Resources Development- The Mission shall focus on providing effective

education and training to researchers and professionals in diversified fields.

• International Collaborations