UNIT i AN Intrropuction TO NANOTECHNOLOGY 1.1 Introduction ‘The word ‘Nanotechnology’ comprises of two words : Nano and Technology. ‘Nano’ is a Greek word meaning dwarf or small. In mathematical notation, nanometer means one billionth of a meter, ic. \ 1,000,000,000 In the present context ‘technology’ means the technique to convert scientific principles to design or synthesis new materials, devices for prosperity, comforts and betterment of human life. ILis in tum also useful to explore and understand the basic ideas underlying any scientific happenings. ‘The fantasy of the ‘nano-world’ is realised as many materials when reduced below 100 nm in size they show markedly different properties compared to their bulk properties. For example, improved mechanical strength, higher thermal and electrical conductivity, different optical properties, etc. These features are always invitable for future technological and engineering developments. In the words of Nobel Laureate Physicist of California Institute of Technology, Prof. Richard P. Feynman (1959). “There is Plenty of Room at the Bottom.” He emphasised on the concept of “miniaturisation” in order to improve the functional efficiency of the material or device. However, ‘it was much later in 1980s, K. Eric Drexler first coined the word ‘Nanotechnology.’ Richard P. Feynman + May 11, 1918. Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, U. February 15, 1988. Los Angeles, California, U.S. American ‘Theoretical Physics (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Ph.D. 1 nanometer (nm) 10° meter (m) (Prineceton University) + Albert Einstein Award (1954), E.O. Lawrence Award (1962), Nobel Prize in Physics (1965), Oersted Medal (1972), National Medal of Science (1979)1.2 Nanotechnology and Nanoscience ‘We may now ask “ What actually a nanotechnology is ?” According to CRN’s (Center for Responsible Nanotechnology) definition, itis the engineering of tailoring of functional systems at the molecular or atomic scale. Before we go into details of nanotechnology, let us define what is nanoscience. Nanoscience involves the understanding of matter whose at least one of the dimensions is 1 nm — 100 nm or less then it. It is the study of fundamental principles that the nature permits at the nanoscale or less than that i.e. the ‘Quantum Mechanics.” At nanoscale, laws of Newtonian mechanics fail and we require to invoke Quantum, mechanics (which you will lear in higher studies) to understand interactions/forces prevailing among atoms and molecules. (On the otherhand, nanotechnology uses the understanding gained through the nanoscience to fabricate or synthesis improved materials and devices. Prof. Feynman described such atomic scale fabrication as a ‘bottom-up’ approach, as opposed to conventional ‘top-down’ technological “The principles of physics as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom-by-atom. It is not an attempt to violate any laws, it is something, in principle, that can be done, but in practice, it has not been done because we are 100 big.” - R. P, Feynman, 29 December, 1959 In bottom-up manufacturing of devices, positionally - controlled atom-by-atom or molecule by - molecule nanostructures or nanoparticles are designed to achieve desired properties. In nanotechnology, a ‘particle’ is defined as a small object which behaves as a whole unit in terms of its transport and other properties. With this view, ‘nanoparticles’ are sized 1 — 100 nm. Even if the size of most molecules would fit into this limit, individual molecules are generally not considered as nanoparticles. Although, nanotechnology is considered as an invention of modem science, its use has been identified from long past. For example, nanoparticles were used by artisans as far back as the 9th century for generating a glittering effect on the surface of pots. A hair-dye formula used 2000 years ago by Greeks and Romans, works by causing tiny nanoparticles. Ancient Egyptians were using nano-lead compound for eye-make up. The Damascus steel with carbon nanoparticles on the surface was found on the surface of the sword of Tipu Sultan (Figure 1.1). ‘Bhasmas’ an ayurvedic medicines - are actually metallic mineral preparations of biologically produced nanoparticles. And history is long - it is ‘Michael Faraday (1857) who gave first scientific description about how materials show drastically different and unique properties at the nano-scale. ‘As the invention of electricity and transistor gave new technological path ways, nanotechnology too will enable us to allow radical new things in virtually every technological and scientific arena;whether it is communication or transportation, agriculture or industry, ‘engineering or military affairs (Weapons, ete.), medicines or cosmetics, space engineering or domestic purposes, economics or envi and abundant energy problems or whatever nanotechnology seems to be the general purpose technology, Higher efficiency meaning higher performances that is the reason to call it correctly the ‘Green technology.” Scientists and technocrets expect fully matured nanotechnology to be functioning by the year 2025. Dear students, you have enough scope to shape your career in this exciting area of science and technology. ‘ronmental issues, clean’ you name it. Thus, Figa.1 Asword of Tip Sultan madeupof damascus steel. 1.3 Dimensions of the Physical World To visualize / feel the size / dimension of different physical objects, moving from macrosystems + microsystems > nanosystems, pictorial comparison is given in the figure 1.2. ww=1m=3268 L 10m 107m ‘Human Hairdiameter (50,000am)— Lint of ee's 4 ‘bility to Se {10,000 mm) coli bacteria] Rea blood cells “2000 mm) (5000 nm) Nanetet 000m) — iilcron DNA DNA width nm) Carbon nanotube == width Sam) Vise calor (40-700 am) a 107m Virws 60m) Quantum dot ‘Sam ‘Bucky-ball(L =—@ Hydrogen atom 0.4 am)/“S7 107% m= 1 nanometer 10m = Ot am Fig. 1.2 Dimensional details of materials and things around us We take 1 nanometer (nm) as reference to measure size of different objects in figure 1.2. Average height of a man (1.75 m) 1750,000,000 diameter 50,000 nm. The size of Red blood cell: nm is too big compared to human hair with a Is and E-coli becteria are 5000 and 2000 nm, respectively. Transistor printed on IC (Integrated Circuit ) is around 90 nm, while the size of virus