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NANOTECHNOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY: A SYNERGY FOR THE FUTURE

Article · June 2024

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Vishmi Himasha
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NANOTECHNOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY:
A SYNERGY FOR THE FUTURE
By Vishmi Himasha

Email - [email protected]

What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is a scientific field that focuses on manipulation materials and systems and study
at the nanoscale. It involves the design, production, and application of materials and typically
between 1 and 100 nanometers in dimension.

Nano Scales
A Nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, making it extremely small about 80,000 times the diameter
of a human hair.

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History of Nanotechnology
• Nanotechnology was used for the first time by a
group of Japanese scientists in 1912.

• The world's attention was drawn to the importance

of this technology by Richard Feynman, an American
scientist.

• Modern nanotechnology as the second biggest

technological revolution began 60 years ago (around 1959) with Richard Feynman's claim
that "THERE’S PLENTY OF ROOM AT THE BOTTOM"

• Although modern nanotechnology started as a technological revolution in 1959, there is

evidence was used by our ancestors long ago.

• Around 300 BC, man produced hard, non-blunt swords using Damascus steel. This steel
has been found to contain carbon nanotubes. Damascus steel has these unique properties
due to the carbon nanoscale.

• Colourful paintings made using silver nanoparticles. Silver particles have been used by
humans in the past as pigments because they exhibit assorted colours in nano-germanium.

• Lycurgus Cup made in Rome in the fourth century AD using silver plating. The peculiarity of
this is that its colour changes depending on the direction of light passing through it.

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Observing Nanomaterials
Microscope
➢ A microscope is an instrument that helps to magnify trivial things.
➢ The power of a microscope is primarily determined by its magnification.

i. Scanning electron microscopy 30000x

ii. Transmission electron microscopy 500000x
iii. Atomic force microscopy 1000000x
iv. Scanning tunnelling microscopy

➢ Scanning electron microscopy is based on the observation of accelerated electron on an

object and the scattering of electrons.

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THE ROLE OF CHEMISTRY IN
NANOTECHNOLOGY

1.Characterization:
To understand the properties of nanomaterials requires modern analytical techniques.
Chemists use apparatus like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron
microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the structure and
composition of nanomaterials at the atomic level.

2. Synthesis of Nanomaterials:
Chemists develop methods to synthesize nanomaterials with precise control quantity,
shape, and composition. There are mainly two ways of processing nanostructures. This can
be called Top -down method and Bottom-up method.
❖ Top-down method - larger materials are broken down into smaller
nanoscale particles.
❖ Bottom-up method - the physical and chemical forces applied at the
nanoscale are added to atoms and nanoparticles.

Techniques such as sol-gel processing, chemical vapor deposition, and self-assembly are
fundamental in producing nanoparticles, batteries, sensors, nanowires, and thin films.
Batteries made using these nanoparticles can be changed faster and can be charged more
times. Chemists can be prepared nano masks by Synthesis with graphene.

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3.Surface Chemistry:

Nanoparticles of a material show different properties compared to large particles of the

same material. Chemists modify surfaces to enhance properties such as stability,
compatibility and reactivity with other materials. It can be used for sensor technology,
catalysis and drug delivery. We can see an opportunity to use chemistry in the treatment of
cancer.

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 Applications of Nanotechnology in
Chemistry
1.Catalysis
Nano catalysts exhibit superior catalytic activity due to their high surface area and unique
electronic properties.

Increasing the active surface area of materials at the nanoscale.

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They are used in chemical reactions to increase efficiency and selectivity, reducing energy
consumption and environmental impact.

2.Drug Delivery
Nanoparticles can be used in targeted drug delivery systems, where nanoparticles can
deliver therapeutic agents directly to diseased cells, minimizing side effects and improving
treatment efficacy. This is particularly transformative in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology
offers means to precisely administer therapies to cancerous cells and tissues. With these
tools, clinicians can effectively deliver chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the next generation
of immuno- and gene therapies directly to the tumor in a safer way.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

4.Materials Science
Nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots possess remarkable
mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. These materials are being integrated into
various products, from stronger and lighter composites to advanced electronic devices.

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 Graphene

Graphite, a polymorphic form of carbon, has many physical and chemical properties. These
layered structures can be used to produce a variety of liquids. Graphite is formed by
arranging carbon and hydrogen atoms into a specific shape. The thickness of a graphite
layer is about 0.5 nm.

Some of the unique properties of graphite are: -

1) High rigidity
2) Electrical and Thermal conductivity
3) Statement transparency
4) High active area

5.Environmental Chemistry

Nanotechnology offers solutions for environmental challenges, such as water purification

and pollution remediation. Nanomaterials can remove contaminants from water and soil
more efficiently than conventional methods. It can be made on Hydrophobic surfaces. On
surfaces, nanoparticles with low surface energy can be attached to form nanoscale
roughness to produce non-wetting, net-repellent surfaces.

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These surfaces are not easily soiled and behave as
passive

• self-cleaning materials.
• This water repellent property can be
used for clothing,
• walls, wooden surfaces, roofs and
all other surfaces
• that may meet water

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 Conclusion

Chemistry and Nanotechnology relate to dynamic relationship that gives innovation and open new
paths in science, chemistry, and technology. The ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale
offers more opportunities to improve that processes. When we explore new horizons with
Nanotechnology the role of chemistry will give important and main subscription for a sustainable
future. By understanding the constructive collaboration between Chemistry and Nanotechnology
we can win our bright future life with new research and products.

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