Introduction to Nanotechnology
NanoscaleThe scale of materials considered nanotechnology are
between one and one hundred nanometers or nm.
1 nanometer is 10 -9 meters, or 1/1,000,000,000 m, or 1 billionth of a meter
Scale; one human hair is ~ 80,000 nm
Goals of Nanotechnology
Strength of StructuresSpace Industry and Development
Clean EnergyDefense Systems
MedicalWater Filtration
…and Much More!
What is Nanotechnology?
Arranging Atoms(Carbon)
• 1 way---diamonds• 2 way---graphite• 3 random way---soot
Carbon Nanotubes
• Carbon 60• Bucky ball design• Strength in numbers
So Small…
• Surface area actually becomes larger compared to its volume
Possibilities:Electrostatic Self Assembly (ESA)
• Self-regeneration• Building up piece by piece
Medical
Medical
AstroMedica
• Hydroxi-appetite– Nano-material human bone design
Nanorobotics
Nanorobotics
Solar Energy
Copying Lessons of Nature
Photosynthesis Photovoltaics
Solar Panels
Plastic PolymersUniversity of California-Berkeley
Experiments with polymer-based solar cells-active longer
-more productive-higher energy levels
-lightweight-cheaper
-less fragile
Computer Technology
Technology
Todays Uses of Nanotechnology (cont’d)
• All around us– sunscreen
– rechargeable batteries– clothing stain repellants
– computer chips– cosmetics
Todays Uses of Nanotechnology (cont’d)
– bottles– bike frames– -automotive– tennis balls– toothpaste
Impacts
Risks of Nanotechnology
Material construction deterioration– Heavy loading
Technology advancing at very rapid pace
Risk vs.
Reward?
Other Risks
• Very dangerous health concerns– Can enter body and break through barriers • Even at cellular level
Possible Impacts
Global WarmingDiseaseCleaner Water
Optics
The Future?
Why this is important to teach