Applications of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology involves altering the molecular structure of materials to achieve groundbreaking applications. It encompasses a range of fields, including graphene development and nanoparticles for use in electronics, energy, biomedicine, and defence. Initiated by physicist Richard Feynman in 1959, nanotechnology has grown significantly, especially with investments like the $18 billion from the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in the United States.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology involves altering the molecular structure of materials to achieve groundbreaking applications. It encompasses a range of fields, including graphene development and nanoparticles for use in electronics, energy, biomedicine, and defence. Initiated by physicist Richard Feynman in 1959, nanotechnology has grown significantly, especially with investments like the $18 billion from the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in the United States. 

Also Read: Master in Nano Technology in UK

Application of Nanotechnology in Different Sectors

How are Applications of Nanotechnology Used?

Nanotechnology's applications span various sectors:

• Electronics: Carbon nanotubes and graphene are paving the way for faster, more efficient microprocessors and flexible touchscreens.
• Energy: Innovations like new semiconductors for solar panels and improved wind turbines are making renewable energy more viable and efficient.
• Biomedicine: Nanomaterials are revolutionising early disease diagnosis and treatment, offering targeted cancer therapies and enhanced pharmaceuticals.
• Environment: From air purification to wastewater treatment, nanotechnology offers environmentally friendly solutions.
• Food: Nanobiosensors detect pathogens, while nanocomposites improve food packaging.
• Textiles: Smart fabrics that resist stains and wrinkles, and materials that enhance the durability of sports equipment. 

Uses of Nanotechnology in Multiple Platforms

1. Food Industry

Silver nanoparticles combined with polymers are being utilised to improve the quality of food packaging materials, extending their shelf life. It will last longer and taste better as a result. Furthermore, "smart packaging," which detects biological changes in food, is another important application of Nanotechnology. Various uses of nanotechnology are used in agriculture and agribusiness to ensure food safety.

2. Electronics and Devices

We have progressed from massive television sets and mobile phones to sleek television sets and smartphones due to technological advancements. Furthermore, nanomaterials such as Graphene have created thin, lightweight, higher-quality TV screens that require less electricity!

3. Medicine

Patients experience significant side effects from many therapies and drugs for chronic conditions such as cancer, brain tumours, and so on. Nanoparticles are being used for this, and the drug will be targeted to the affected cells rather than the entire body. A variety of nanomaterials are also being employed to improve the efficiency of imaging systems. Nanotechnology's medical applications are not limited to the categories above but include gene therapy, wound treatment, and other fields.

4. Textiles and Fabrics

Specialised fabrics with nano-sized Silver and Titanium particles are used to make a piece of cloth wearable, wrinkle-free, and odour-free across seasons. As a result, lightweight, thin, and breathable textiles have been developed. In this industry, Nanotechnology is also used to make materials stain-resistant and improve durability.

5. Automobiles

In the last decade, the automobile industry has undergone a paradigm shift. Now and then, new four- and two-wheeler versions with cutting-edge technology are introduced now and then. This is yet another industry where Nanotechnology can be seen in action. Several polymer nanocomposites, such as Natural Rubber-Organoclay, have been employed to make tyres more abrasion-resistant. Adding nanoparticles to automotive fluids, such as tungsten nanospheres, have improved their mechanical qualities.

6. Sporting Equipment and Goods

Different co-curricular activities, such as sports, have become a popular choice for creating a profession in today's culture. As a result, many revolutionary developments are occurring, particularly in tennis and golf. High-end racquets, new tennis balls with slow air release, lightweight hockey sticks, and club shaft material with better durability have been created using nanomaterials such as Silica nanoparticles, nano clays fullerenes, and so on.

7. Enhancing Water Quality

Individual nanoparticles are used on filtration membranes to improve water quality by removing chemical and industrial waste such as TCE from rivers and groundwater. This is one of the best applications of Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology for water filtration is highly effective and relatively inexpensive.

8. Space Science

Space Science and Research is another area where Nanotechnology can be seen in action. Aside from employing materials like CNT to make the exterior construction of satellites more robust and lightweight, researchers are also looking into ways to deliver spacecraft with less fuel.

9. Improving Air Quality

Nanomaterials are being employed extensively to address deteriorating air quality, which has become a global issue. Membranes coated with nanomaterials such as Graphene Oxide are used to separate contaminants from the air on the one hand. On the other hand, research is being done to increase the efficiency of catalysts that can assist reduce the impact of air pollution from industrial facilities, automobiles, air conditioners, and other sources. These catalysts, made up of nanoparticles, have a huge surface area on which the chemicals can react.

10. Chemical Sensors

Various sensors have been developed using nanomaterials such as Zinc Oxide nanowires, Carbon nanotubes, and palladium nanoparticles to detect even the smallest concentrations of harmful compounds. This is conceivable because the electrical characteristics of these materials are improving at the nanoscale.

Nanotechnology Course Fees

We have tabulated fees for different Nanotechnology courses below:

What Does the Future Hold for Nanotechnology?

The future of nanotechnology is bright, with expected global growth driven by technological advances, government support, and private investment. However, concerns about environmental and health risks pose challenges. Leading the industry by 2024 will be the United States, Brazil, Germany, and several Asian countries, with electronics and energy sectors at the forefront.

Are you interested in this profession but aren't sure where to start? Don't be concerned! Contact our professionals at AECC, who will not only assist you in locating a university but also in locating an appropriate scholarship and submitting applications! 

FAQs