5.5Application of Nanotechnology in Industry
Nanotechnology is an advanced field of science that explores and manipulates matter at an extremely tiny scale—between 1 nanometre and 100 nanometres. At this nanoscale, materials exhibit enhanced physical and chemical characteristics, enabling revolutionary developments in medicine, electronics, energy, agriculture, and materials science, especially through extraordinary carbon allotropes like graphene.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the meaning of nanotechnology.
- Describe nanotechnology with examples and its application in daily life.
Relative Scale of Nanomaterials and Everyday Objects
Visualise the microscopic size of nanoparticles relative to biological structures and macroscopic objects.
Brief Explanation
Understand the key ideas behind nanoscience, nanotechnology and graphene.
Meaning of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
The term 'nanotechnology' was first coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi in 1974. Nanomaterials are materials with structures measuring within the nanoscale range.
Application in Daily Life
Nanoparticle sizes provide an extremely large surface area and allow particles to coat surfaces more evenly or penetrate barriers easily. This enables advances in cosmetics, coating agents, semiconductors, energy, textiles, medicine, agriculture and food.
| Field | Application of Nanotechnology |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Nanoparticles easily penetrate deeper into the skin to provide more satisfying outcomes. |
| Coating Agents | Nanoparticles coat surfaces more evenly. |
| Semiconductors and Electronics | Smaller and more efficient semiconductors; high conductivity wiring systems. |
| Energy and Electricity | Smaller and more efficient solar cells; long-lasting batteries. |
| Textile | Water, fire, and dirt resistant fabrics; anti-wrinkle and UV protective fabrics. |
| Medical | Highly sensitive testing devices; more effective drug delivery systems. |
| Agriculture | More effective pesticides; highly efficient and thorough fertilisation. |
| Food | Nanoscale food additives; anti-microbial food packaging. |
Graphene: Development and Structure
Graphene was successfully isolated in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov. It is an allotrope of carbon composed of carbon atoms linked by covalent bonds in a single two-dimensional hexagonal sheet.
Properties of Graphene
Graphene is strong, hard, transparent, elastic, impermeable, and a good conductor of heat and electricity with very low electrical resistance. Chemically, it burns at a lower temperature than graphite and is the most reactive carbon allotrope.
| Field | Use of Graphene |
|---|---|
| Electronics | Atom arrangements allow it to act as a superior conductor. |
| Sensors | High surface area enables highly sensitive detection. |
| Biomedical | Used in sensors, tissue engineering, and medicine delivery systems. |
| Polymers and Composites | High mechanical strength makes it suitable as a reinforcement filler in polymer composite materials. |
| Membrane | Water filtration and separating water from gaseous mixtures due to its impermeability to other molecules while allowing selective water passage. |
| Energy | Produces flexible, strong, and longer-lasting batteries, as well as supercapacitors. |
Try to Answer First
Answer mentally, then check the explanation.
What is the difference between nanoscience and nanotechnology?
Give two examples of the application of nanotechnology in the textile industry.
Explain why graphene is suitable to be used as a membrane for water filtration.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors when learning about nanotechnology and graphene.
Concept Misunderstandings
Compare each misconception with the correct fact.
Nanotechnology only applies to synthetic electronics and computer chips.
Nanotechnology applies to cosmetics, agriculture (fertilisation and pesticides), food packaging, textiles, and medicine.
Graphene and diamond have identical physical properties because they are both carbon allotropes.
Although both are carbon allotropes, graphene is a two-dimensional sheet that conducts electricity and is elastic, whereas diamond has a three-dimensional tetrahedral lattice with very different physical properties.
Summary
Key facts to remember.
- Nanoscale refers to dimensions between \(1\text{ nm}\) and \(100\text{ nm}\) (\(10^{-9}\text{ m}\) to \(10^{-7}\text{ m}\)).
- Nanotechnology is the application and development of materials and devices using nanoscale properties.
- It enhances products in electronics, energy, agriculture, medicine, textiles, food packaging, and cosmetics.
- Graphene is a 2D carbon allotrope (\(0.1\text{ nm}\)) that is strong, transparent, elastic, impermeable, and a superior conductor of heat and electricity.
- Graphene's properties make it ideal for electronics, sensors, supercapacitors, water filtration membranes, and polymer composites.
Short Activity
Complete all parts before checking your score.
A. Objective Quiz
What is the size range of substances studied under nanoscience?
Which of the following is a physical property of graphene?
B. Fill in the Blanks
The term 'nanotechnology' was first coined in 1974 by Professor ______ Taniguchi.
In the chemical field, graphene oxide has successfully been synthesised and is used as a ______.
C. Match the Field with the Example
Drag each field on desktop. On mobile, tap a field and then tap the matching box.
Field of Application
Medical Textile Food AgricultureExample / Function
Keywords
Tap or hover over a term to read its meaning.
