Midlands State University

Chemical Technology Department

CT212 Introduction to Nanotechnology

LECTURER: Nharingo T (nharingoticha@gmail.com)

COURSE OUTLINE 2019

AIMS:

 The purpose of this course is to provide a basic knowledge in chemistry aspects of

Nanotechnology.
 Have a working knowledge of nanoscience and nanotechnology, including theory and
experiment
 To enhance knowledge about the various nanosynthesis, characterisation and applications
 Appreciate the health and safety implications of nanomaterials

OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:

 To describe the basic concepts, principles, and components of nanotechnology

 To describe basic theory of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
 To fabricate and characterize nanomaterials
 To characterize important properties of nanomaterials
 To describe the application of nanotechnology
 To apply nanotechnology to solve some problems in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and
environment etc
 To describe the toxicology of engineered nanoparticles
 Describe health and safety issues associated with nanomaterials

1.0 Introduction

 Definitions of nanomaterial, nanoscience and nanotechnology

 Differences between nanoscience and nanotechnology

1 Preparation/synthesis of nanoparticles

 Differentiate between top to down and bottom to up methods

 Compare the various methods of synthesis
 Synthesis of nanomaterials

1.1 Physical methods,

 electron beam lithography

 gas-phase deposition
 mechanical techniques


1.2 Chemical methods

  sol-gel synthesis
 oxidation method
 combustion method
 reduction method
 chemical coprecipitation
 hydrothermal reactions
 solvothermal method
 thermal decomposition method
 flow injection synthesis
 electrochemical method etc

1.3 Biological methods

 Bacteria
 Plant extract
 Fungus

2 Properties of nanomaterials

 Highlight and justify the properties of nanomaterials

3 Outline synthesis of the following nanomaterials

• Fe3O4, CoFe2O4, MnFe2O4

• ZrO2, Ag, Au

• ZnO, CuO, g-C3N4

• SiO2, CdS, ZnS

• Carbon nanotubes-types, properties, advantages and applications

4 Characterisation of nanomaterials

 Size
 Morphology
 Crystallinity and phase
 Elementary composition
 Surface roughness
 Surface functional groups
 Specific surface area
 Magnetism

5 Applications of nanotechnology

 Pharmacological applications

Anti: bacterial, fungi, plasmodium, virus, cancer, inflammation, diabetic, oxidant

 Medicine and drugs

 Nanobiotechnology
 Bioengineering
 Nanodevices
  Defence and security
 Nanofabrics
 Cosmetics
 Food industry
 Wastewater treatment

6 Pitfalls of nanotechnology

 Health and safety issues

 Nanobomb
 Nanobots----Grey goo

Mode of teaching

Lectures, power point presentations, assignments, group assignments and presentations and reading
materials

Assessment criteria

At least:

 2 assignments 10 %

 Two practicals and/or alternatives/ presentations/shortterm project 20 %

 Two tests and two in class exercises 10 %

 Final examination 60 %

Please note that no late submissions will be accepted for assignments and practicals.

References

Filipponi, L and Sutherland, D (2013) NANOTECHNOLOGIES: Principles, Applications, Implications and

Hands-on Activities. A compendium for educators. EUROPEAN COMMISSION, EUR 24957.

Bhatia, S (2016) Natural Polymer Drug Delivery Systems: Nanoparticles Types, Classification,
Characterization, Fabrication Methods and Drug Delivery Applications. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-
41129-3_2

Khan, I., Saeed, K, and Khan Id (2017) Nanoparticles: Properties, applications and toxicities. Arabian
Journal of Chemistry.

Filipponi, L and Sutherland, D (2010) Applications of nanotechnology. Information and

communication technology.

Filipponi, L and Sutherland, D (2010) Applications of nanotechnology. Environment.

Alagarasi, A (2013) Introduction to nanotechnology. Indian Institute of Technology, Mandras.

Rao, C. N., Muller, A. and Cheetham, A. K (2007) Nanomaterials Chemistry, Wiley VCH ,

Brechignac, C., Houdy, P and Lahmani, M (2007) Nanomaterials and Nanochemistry, Springer
publication

Klabunde, K. J (2001) Nanoscale materials in chemistry, Wiley Interscience Publications.