Setsuka Aust

Tech Innovations

New discoveries in science and technology have historically benefited humanity.

We often depend on innovations in science for solutions to societal issues. Cue,

nanotechnology. Nanotechnology operates on the nanoscale which allows the

manipulation of matter and materials. Most of the current and exciting innovations of

nanotech are contained within the field of nanomaterials. For this reason, I will mostly

focus on this narrower field. Because of these discoveries, we enjoy faster and more

compact computers, better antimicrobial substances, and more durable materials of

common products. Still in its infancy, nanotechnology has the potential to ameliorate the

pressing dilemmas we are faced with as a society. Unfortunately, as with most new

innovations, there will always be the potential for unintended consequences. Before

opening that can of worms though, we must first understand nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic scale. As the name

implies, the precision of this technology is on the nanoscale, typically within 1 to 100

nanometers. Nanomaterials is a field that incorporates the use of nanotechnology in

materials science. Materials science utilises this discipline to allow for the

microfabrication of different structures. Typically there are two methodologies to achieve

this, the top-down and bottom down approaches - applications in materials science

mostly focusing on the former. In the top-down approach, objects that we are able to

interact with, such as wood, computer chips, and gold, can be manipulated or reduced

to the nanoscale to produce more favorable traits in these objects. (Nanomanufacturing

and the industrial application of nanotechnologies. In Nanoscience and

nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties (pp. 25-29), 2004). When the size of

a system is reduced, changes to the mechanics of the system arise, such as quantum

and statistical mechanic effects. An example of this phenomenon is that gold can

become soluble or act as a chemical catalyst at the nanoscale. (Strickland, J, 2007)

Instruments that are typically utilized in the top-down approach of nanotech include

technologies capable of imaging and reconstitution of nano systems. Examples include

a scanning probe microscope (SPM) and nanolithography. SPM creates images of the

nano realm for scientists. A microfabricated physical probe scans a sample to detect its

topography (similar to how phonographs/record players scan grooves of a record). This

information is then visually recorded into an image with the use of a laser that reflects

off the probe and into photodetectors. The photodetectors sense light and can

assemble an image from this information (Nanomanufacturing and the industrial

application of nanotechnologies. In Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities

and uncertainties (pp. 25-29), 2004). Nanolithography is also an important tool in the

top-down approach of nanomaterials. It works by patterning a substrate using geometric

designs. Light is transferred through a photomask that contains the geometric pattern. It

is similar to an engraving system, but rather in the nanoscale to produce a new desired

structure. Chemical treatments allow for new atomic patterns to arise.

(Nanomanufacturing and the industrial application of nanotechnologies. In Nanoscience

and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties (pp. 25-29), 2004.) Depending

on the technique deposits or removal of materials can be used to change the structure.

For example, in modern integrated circuits, a process of photolithography can be

applied up to 50 times to achieve the desired result. These two tools are great at

representing both the history and present state of nanotech.

The precursor to nanotechnology could be considered alchemy. While alchemy

closer resembles chemistry, there are definite relations with the aims of

nanotechnology. Alchemy is a pursuit that sought to achieve transmutation and

perfection of objects through the use of chemical, superstitious, and non-empirical

methods. Alchemy was practiced in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Persia, India, Japan,

Korea, China, Greece, and then in Europe up to the 19th century, in schools and

philosophical systems spanning at least 2,500 years (“From Nanotech to Nanoscience”,

2017). Nanotechnology was unwittingly put into use during the creation of stained glass.

Nanoscale effects were exhibited when gold chloride or silver nitrate when added to

molten glass, producing a stain (“From Nanotech to Nanoscience”, 2017). The modern

and scientific concept of nanotechnology was introduced by Richard Feynman, in 1959,

in his book There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom ( What are nanoscience and

nanotechnologies?. In Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and

uncertainties (pp. 25-29), 2004).He had discussed the possibility of the creation of new

objects from the manipulation of matter. The term nanotechnology was coined by Norio

Taniguchi, in 1974, however. Throughout the 1980s, a burgeoning of interest and

development occurred. Modern nanotechnology was made possible by the invention of

tools that allowed for the precise imaging and manipulation of structures at the

nanoscale.Today's scientists and engineers are finding a variety of ways to reduce

materials to the nanoscale to take advantage of their enhanced properties such as

increased strength, lighter weight, increased control of light spectrum, and greater

chemical reactivity.

Several improvements on modern inventions can be seen with the use of

nanotechnology in materials science. One of the most apparent innovations has been

within computers and electronics. Transistors have been substantially reduced in size,

starting from 130-250 nanometers, in 2000, to being reduced to a size of up to 1

nanometer, in 2016. This allows for faster, denser and expanded memory capabilities of

a computer, in a smaller size (“Benefits and Applications”). The next electronics

components that we see transformed are electronics that are able to undergo more

extreme deformations without breaking. Examples of this are improved strength and

reduction of cracking tendency of tablet and smartphone screens because of

semiconductor nanomembranes (“Benefits and Applications”). Benefits of this

technology also extend to energy applications. Solar cells are being researched and

manufactured and are cheaper and have the potential to be more efficient at converting

solar energy into stored energy. Additionally, the solar cells would be a flexible material

that is easier to install and could bend to conform to varied shapes (“Nanotechnology in

Solar Cells”,2007). The nanotechnology is being applied in solar cells with concepts

similar to those found in electronics as well. The use of quantum dots, small

semiconductor particles that have different physical properties and are easier to

optimize than larger semiconductors, can be found in these solar panels. There is also

research into wires containing carbon nanotubes (an allotrope of carbon, that with a

cylindrical nanostructure, allows for extraordinary strength) that would reduce the

amount of energy lost through heat transfer compared to what is currently in the modern
electrical grid (Strickland, J, 2007). A third sector that has seen improvements from

nanotechnology is materials science. Both lenses and fabrics have seen improvements

in durability, water resistance, antimicrobial properties. Examples of implementations

into fabrics include nanowhiskers that cause water to bead up, thus improving the water

resistance of the fabric (Strickland, J, 2007). Fabrics also can be imbued with silver

nanoparticles that kill bacteria and can increase odor resistance (“Strickland, J, 2007).

Nanopores in fabrics also provide higher insulation and breathability of clothing,

depending on the application. This is directly tied to the manipulation of these

structures on the nanoscale. Everyday consumer products also are improved from

nanotechnology. Sunscreens that use nanoparticles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide

allow for the physical blocking of UV rays, as opposed to chemical sunscreens that

absorb the UV rays. This allows for more efficient blocking of harmful rays and less

oxidation in the skin (Strickland, J, 2007). While, the current strides in this technology

may still seem trivial, any skepticism would easily be dispelled when looking at the

future uses of this technology.

The exciting future potential of nanotechnologies has many facets. It is

something that can improve areas, as the advent of computers have improved modern

society. Entire industries would be changed or obsolete due to this technology. Sectors

such as transportation, materials science, infrastructure, sensors, and environmental

protections could all be benefited. One of the most exciting future implementations

would be molecular manufacturing. This would essentially be a 3D printer to create any

physical object desired, such as gold, water or rubber. Different combinations of atomic

structures form molecules, which in turn form matter. By having a nanomachine that can
edit the arrangement on an atomic level, it is predicted any form of matter could be

created (Strickland, J, 2007). Another potential use of this technology is forecasted with

the use of “self healing materials” or materials that are able to repair some of the

damage incurred. The logic behind this possible innovation is that nanomaterials are

able to be dispersed throughout an object and fill any gaps that arise from damage.

(Themis Prodromakis, 2018)Nanorobots are also an exciting (and perhaps worrisome)

potential to imagine. These robots would be able to perform surgery, attack cancer

cells, edit genes, provide visual information of the nano-world and many other exciting

benefits. These robots could be constructed using a bottom-up approach where

individual robots are created from scratch, as opposed to reducing the size of materials

and then assembling it. A consequent of nanotechnologies improving the efficiency,

complexity and reducing the size/cost of most materials would be having an abundance

of sensors that can monitor bridges, airplanes, and integrity of infrastructure. This would

also result in an ability to increase better results in data science and AI, since both of

these fields yield better results when given a larger dataset, such as the data from

sensors (Social and Ethical Issues. In Nanoscience and nanotechnologies:

opportunities and uncertainties (pp. 51-57), 2004). Another projected use of this

technology is the ability to purify water by having nanoparticles remove any pollutants

that are found in drinking water. This logic can also be extended to improving the

efficacy and reducing side effects of prescription medication. Targeted prescription

drugs would possibly be able to only treat cells affected by a disease and ignore healthy

cells, something that chemotherapy would greatly benefit from. The medical field could

also see an ability to regenerate or repair damaged tissues or bones by restoring their
structure at the nanoscale. (Saini, R., Saini, S., & Sharma, S., 2010) Transportation is

also projected to become more efficient through nanotechnology. By creating stronger

and lighter materials, all vehicles would reduce energy costs. An analyst for NASA

estimates that a reduction in the weight of a spacecraft could be as high as 63%. This

would dramatically reduce the costs of launch operations, fuel requirements and could

allow for further space exploration (“Benefits and Applications”). With the rapid changes

technology brings, society is sometimes ill-equipped to keep up with these innovations.

Whenever a new technology is released, we generally see the Good, the Bad

and the Ugly as far as societal impacts. Thankfully, mostly good impacts on society will

be seen through the development of nanotech. Improvements in water purification,

medicinal efficacy, energy systems, physical enhancements, and infrastructure are

predicted to be attributed to the progress in this field. This would lead to prosperity and

ease of living for humans and the ecosystem we live in. The catch-22 to many of these

solutions will be increased unemployment since nanotech aims to automate and find

solutions to most jobs that are traditionally and inefficiently done by a human. (Social

and Ethical Issues. In Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and

uncertainties (pp. 51-57), 2004.) Now, the ugly; (since it makes for a more interesting

paper when discussing societal implications): potential risks include a transitional period

where entire industries are replaced, such as manufacturing. Safety and privacy issues

are also a concern since anyone with access to these technologies could harm or spy

on other people with cameras that are a size of a nanometer, or otherwise indetectable

to humans. (Social and Ethical Issues. In Nanoscience and nanotechnologies:

opportunities and uncertainties (pp. 51-57), 2004.) Since nanomaterials are more
readily absorbed than larger materials, nanotoxicology exists to study the potential

hazards a poison could pose for people. Nanoparticles are able to pass the blood brain

barrier, and poisons could inadvertently be absorbed through the skin and affect the

brain. (“Implications of Nanotechnology for Environmental Health Research”,1970)

Nanopollution is a field that studies the effects of nanowaste from the manufacturing

process. Since it is difficult to predict how the pollutants will react with the environment,

it is a huge concern among many experts. (“Implications of Nanotechnology for

Environmental Health Research”,1970) Advancements in weaponry could also be a

pressing concern, as it would seek to become more efficient at killing people. Since

most corporations and government bodies would have access to these innovations

solely, it could potentially create an oligopoly or allow the reign of an unrelenting

authoritarian regime. There are many proponents that state with the increasing power of

technology, a governing body would need to be implemented that aims to have the use

of technology to benefit society. (“Implications of Nanotechnology for Environmental

Health Research”,1970) This could potentially lead to gatekeeping of technology; since

unbridled access to nanotech could be dangerous. (Just look how contentious the issue

of guns are). Though, having a government or industry that has most of the access to

this power would also be potentially problematic. There is an overwhelming net benefit

to this technology, and any issues can be mitigated if humans act responsibly.

Unfortunately, we as a society are at the precipice of what looks like a torrential

downpour of innovations that could be abused faster than they could be regulated.

With an awareness of the mechanics and access to this incredible technology,

comes great responsibility. We unwittingly enjoy many benefits today, thanks to

nanomaterials. However, this technology could mark an epoch that we are not prepared

for. Our generation and subsequent ones will be the vanguard of this movement

towards unprecedented change and human flourishing. Nanotech seeks to absolve

many of the woes that plague humanity. However, since human nature can always have

devastating consequences when given technology, we must proceed judiciously in our

approach. By understanding how the technology functions, it’s practical uses today,

future uses, and future implications, we can better mitigate the negatives associated

with this technology, while also enjoying its benefits.

Sources:

Benefits and Applications (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2018, from

https://www.nano.gov/you/nanotechnology-benefits
From Nanotech to Nanoscience. (2017, April 12). Retrieved October 18, 2018, from

https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/magazine/from-nanotech-to-

nanoscience

Goldman, L. (1970, January 01). Implications of Nanotechnology for Environmental

Health Research. Retrieved October 16, 2018, from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21027/

Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: Opportunities and uncertainties. (2004, July 29).

Retrieved October 20, 2018, from http://www.nanotec.org.uk/finalReport.htm

Nanotechnology in Solar Cells. (2007.). Retrieved from

http://www.understandingnano.com/solarcells.html

Saini, R., Saini, S., & Sharma, S. (2010, April 03). Nanotechnology: The Future

Medicine. Retrieved October 20, 2018, from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890134/

Strickland, J. (2007, October 25). How Nanotechnology Works. Retrieved October 18,

2018, from https://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm

Themis Prodromakis Reader in Nanoelectronics. (2018, August 16). Five ways

nanotechnology is securing your future. Retrieved October 16, 2018, from

https://theconversation.com/five-ways-nanotechnology-is-securing-your-future-

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