1.

Surfaces and Structures

2. Electronics
3. Clothing
4. Personal Care Products
5. Production
By Jeanne Nye, Andrew Greenberg, Ph.D. and Angela Jones, Ph.D.
From underwear to tennis rackets, from golf
clubs to pants, from makeup to bed sheets,
from toothpaste to iPods.

How can small science help us

make big money?
 What is nanotechnology?
A description -
• Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at
dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, or
nanoscale.
• Unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties can
emerge in materials at the nanoscale. These properties may
differ in important ways from the properties of bulk materials
and single atoms or molecules.
• Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and
technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring,
modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.

Note: This slide and the next 9 slides are the same for all research areas.
Resource: www.nano.gov
 How BIG is nano?
Macrosize
meters, decimeters, centimeters, millimeters

Child Hand Pi nk y Fi nger Freck le St rand o f Hai r

100 10-1 10-2 10-3 10-4

A child is about 1 meter tall A hand is about 1 decimeter wide A pinky finger is about A freckle is about 1 millimeter wide A hair is about one tenth of a
1 meter = 1,000,000,000 nm 1 decimeter = 100,000,000 nm 1 centimeter wide 1 millimeter = 1,000,000 nm millimeter wide
(1 billion nanometers) (100 million nanometers) 1 centimeter = 10,000,000 nm (1 million nanometers) 0.1 millimeter = 100,000 nm
(10 million nanometers) (100 thousand nanometers)

Microsize Nanosize
micrometers nanometers
Red Blood Cell Bac t er i a Virus Cell M em brane Sugar M o l ecul e Atom

10-5 10-6 10-7 10-8 10-9 10-10

A red blood cell is about A bacterium is about A viron is about one tenth A cell membrane is about A sugar molecule is about An atom is about one tenth
10 micrometers wide 1 micrometer wide of a micrometer wide 10 nanometers wide 1 nanometer wide of a nanometer wide
10 micrometers = 10,000 nm 1 micrometer = 1,000 nm 0.1 micrometer = 100 nm 10 nanometers = 10 nm 1 nanometer = 1 nm 0.1 nanometer = 0.1 nm
(10 thousand nanometers) (1 thousand nanometers) (1 hundred nanometers)

Created in 2008 by Sciencenter, Ithaca, NY, www.sciencenter.org

Accompanying book available for purchase at www.lulu.com

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Agreement No. ESI-0532536.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
 Nanoscale
1 nanometer =
1 billionth (10-9) of a
meter

D 109 D

a marble
 Why do we care?
Things behave differently at this scale
• Quantum mechanics plays a
much more important role
• For example,
– A brick of gold is shiny and
“gold”-colored.
– A vial of gold nanoparticles in
solution can be a range of colors
depending on the size of the
nanoparticles.
– This is because of a phenomenon
know as quantum confinement. Suspensions of discrete (separated)
gold nanoparticles in clear solution
vary in color from pink to purple as
the nanoparticle size gets bigger.
Image source: “Causes of Color”, WebExhibits,
http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/9.html
 Why else do we care?
This is the scale of biological processes
• Human cells and bacteria have
diameters around 1-10 Structure of DNA
micrometers PDB ID: 1BNA

BUT
• Cellular machinery is on the
nanoscale
– Diameter of DNA is ~2
nanometers
– Hemoglobin, the protein that
carries oxygen through the
body, is 5.5 nanometers in
diameter
Structure of hemoglobin
PDB ID: 1BUW
 One more reason: surface area
Another reason nanomaterials behave differently from bulk materials of
the same chemical is because of surface area – or the area of an object
that is an exposed surface.
For this cube, each
edge is 1 meter in For these
length. cubes,
each edge
1m is 0.1
meters in
length, but
there are
1m 1000
1m
cubes.
Volume
(in cubic meters): 1m X 1m X 1m = 1 m3 (0.1m X 0.1m X 0.1m) X 1000 cubes = 1 m3

Surface Area
(in square meters): (1m X 1m) X 6 sides = 6 m2 (0.1m X 0.1m) X 6 sides X 1000 cubes = 60 m2
 Surface Area and Reactions
• This increased surface area allows chemical reactions to
go much faster.
• Think about it this way:
Which dissolves faster in your coffee or tea, a sugar
cube or a teaspoon of granulated sugar?

Answer:
Granulated
sugar
 Nano-enabled Consumer Products

As of the March 10, 2011, there are over 1300

consumer products around the world that are
manufacturer-identified as nanotechnology-
based.
• Touch screens (iPhone) • Bicycles
• Sunscreens • Fabric
• Cosmetics • Computer memory
• Tennis rackets • Many more…
These products are here, ready to buy today!
Resources: The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies website: http://www.nanotechproject.org/
 Activity Description
• You have been assigned an area of nanotechnology research
to support.
• Go through this presentation and any other credible sources
to identify three benefits of research in nanotechnology
toward your area of interest and up to three potential risks
you perceive in your area of interest.
• As a group, we will weigh the risks and benefits of each area
to decide how much of our federal nanotechnology budget
should go to each research area.
 Disclaimer:
this is a contrived scenario
• There are no federal nanotechnology budget cuts
– $1.7 billion estimated for FY2012 (fiscal year 2012)
– Increased investment proposed for FY2013 (nearly $1.8 billion)
• Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) subcommittee of
the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on Technology
is an actual government entity
– Composed of representatives from 25 federal agencies (NIH, DOE, DOD, etc.)
– Purpose is to coordinate planning, budgeting, and implementation of the
National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI)
– These representatives work together to create an integrated federal program.
• Actual nano “budget” is different from what is proposed in this activity
– Actual “budget” is given as a supplement to the President’s 2013 Budget
Request submitted to Congress
– It represents the sum of the investment in nanotechnology and nanoscience
planned for 2013 by federal agencies
– The agencies submit how much they are planning to spend on nanoscience
– In the activity scenario, we’re doing the opposite of what the actual NNI
Budget represents in that we’re distributing a pre-determined amount
amongst these research areas.
Resources: NNI Budget website: http://www.nano.gov/about-nni/what/funding
In this presentation, you will learn about
some of the developments in
nanotechnology in the research areas of
manufacturing and consumer products
1. Might these nanotechnology developments
infringe on human rights to privacy and
freedom?
2. Is it safe for me? Is it safe for others?
3. Could the use of this nanotechnology
development have unwanted and negative
environmental effects?
4. What economic impact could the use of this
nanotechnology development have on
producers, consumers, and other industries?
Might they be negative or positive?
 If so, are these
developments more
important than
 Your privacy?
 Your rights as a citizen?
 Your rights as a human
being?
Are the answers
somewhere in between?

Image source: http://www.info4security.com/Pictures/web/w/v/m/iStock_Law.jpg

 Within this presentation will be many underlined
words. If you click on the underlined text, your
browser will take you to other websites, videos, or
other resources to learn more about what is on the
slide.
 These links are chosen to give you additional
information, but these presentations can stand alone.
It is unnecessary to go to the links for the purpose of
this activity.
 We try to make sure the links are active, but given the
ever-changing nature of the internet, you might find a
few that take you to a location that is no longer active.
Please let the facilitator know if you find an inactive
link.
Producing structures, surfaces and thin films with
smooth, yet complex functions, requires precision
and nanotechnology.
For example:
 X-ray mirrors for investigating outer space
 More precise measuring tools
 Structures for crystal optics, such as liquid crystal
displays (LCD’s)
 Display screens with nano-structured parts
 Anti-reflective coatings
 Self-cleaning surfaces, such as paints and window
coating
 Nanostone NS is a nanocoating
developed in the United Kingdom, and
it is just one example of nanoparticles
and nanocoatings which are available
for buildings, cars and glass.

Treated Untreated
Surfaces treated with NANOSTONE NS
nano-coatings: Nanoparticles much smaller
• remain aesthetic much longer than the particles in traditional
• show no unsightly dark water streaks coatings or sealants. 1
during rain nanometer sized particles,
• are less vulnerable to the growth of silane, easily penetrate the
microorganisms such as mold and algae substrate and bond to it.
• perform up to 8 years
Resources Nanoprotect website, http://www.nanoprotect.co.uk/easy-to-clean-coatings.html
 Buildings can now be protected with a nanotechnology
product against graffiti.
 The Nano-Tuff Graffiti Shield is a
graffiti deterrent coating
 Most spray paints, lacquers,
enamels and adhesives chemically
cannot adhere.
 When vandalized paint crawls
together and runs off the surface,
thus deterring the vandal from
continuing.
 This coating is impervious to UV
degradation (damage caused by
the sun) and highly resistant to
graffiti, hydrocarbons (chemicals
made from hydrogen and carbon,
like those found in crude oil) and a
wide variety of chemicals.

Resources Seal It International website, http://callsealit.com/services_graffiti.html

 No more foggy windshields when it’s
cold outside.
 G-GLASS™Anti Fog’s
nano-sized particles
penetrate deep inside
the windshield’s
interior side and form
a chemical bond,
preventing fog
buildup inside the
Resources
vehicle.
Green Earth Technologies, Inc website, http://www.getg.com/products/products.php?CategoryID=1&ProductID=8
 2. Electronics

• How small would you want

your digital camera,
cellphone and MP3 player?

• Of course, with
nanotechnology they will
potentially be more precise
and faster, too.

• On the next page you’ll read

about a nano-innovation for
transistors, important
electronic components.
 We all use electronics which are
getting more powerful even as they
get smaller. This constant increase
in computing power is called
Moore's Law. Nanotechnology is
making sure that Moore’s Law
Carbon nanotubes make
continues for generations. Today’s an electric circuit which is
transistors are just 100-200 connected to an electrical
nanometers wide and getting supply (the dark blue
smaller. [1] In 1998, scientists aluminum). [Image Source: NASA].
made a transistor from a single
carbon nanotube! [2]
References: [1] IBM. “IBM Scientists Develop World's Fastest Graphene Transistor” http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/26302.wss
[2] Tans, S. J., A. R. M. Verschueren, and C. Dekker. "Room-Temperature Transistor Based on a Single Carbon Nanotube." Nature
393.6680 (1998): 49-52.
 Nano-Transistors
"If you think about a structure
of gold dots on a DNA strand, A Nano-Transistor
it's like a wire with a whole Gold nanoparticles
bunch of tiny cuts in it. In surrounded by
order for electrons to travel organic, carbon-
down a nanoparticle chain, based, shells self-
they have to jump or tunnel aligned along a
from one particle to the next.
As a result, these nanochains strand of DNA.
[Image Source: from ref. 1]
have different properties than a
wire would have. That's why
you can make transistors out
of them.“ [1]
--- Prof. Jim Hutchinson of the Gold atom
University of Oregon surrounded by
thiol-based ligand
This tunneling behavior, a shell.
feature of quantum physics, is [Image Source: Jim
Hutchinson Laboratory]
a problem for other
manufacturing techniques but
helps at the nanoscale.

References: [1] Madison, K. University of Oregon. https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1794/778/IO_2005-04-11.pdf?sequence=3 p 38

 And More Gold
Electrical engineers at Berkeley used an ink that contains
nano-particles of gold to print the electronic structures.

These can be used for a variety

of things:
• Field-effect transistor
(Transistors which use electric
fields to control conductivity in
semi-conductors),
• Radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags, Liquid gold synthesized in Subramanian's lab is
printed in computer-generated patterns onto the
• Thin-film photovoltaics or wafer by the inkjet printer to form transistor
contacts, wires, inductors, and other
flexible sensors. components used in RFID circuits.
Photo credit: Peg Skorpinski (ref. 2)

References: [1] Huang, D., et al. "Plastic-Compatible Low Resistance Printable Gold Nanoparticle Conductors for Flexible Electronics." Journal of the
Electrochemical Society 150.7 (2003): G412-G17.
[2] Pescovitz, D., “Will printed circuits replace barcodes on tomorrow's soup cans?,” Forefront,
http://coe.berkeley.edu/forefront/spring2002/printedcircuits.html
 New Chip
Technology

Quantum Computer Model. Image Source: from ref. 3

Scientists are
building semi-
conductors one
atom at a time
using magnetism.
[1,2]
Quantum Computer Model. Image
Source: from ref. 3
Quantum Computer Model. Image
Source: from ref. 3
Resources: [1] Richardella, A., D. Kitchen, and A. Yazdani. "Mapping the Wave Function of Transition Metal Acceptor States in the Gas Surface Physical
Review B 80.4 (2009): 6.
[2] D-Wave. Programmable Magnetic Memory. http://www.dwavesys.com/index.php?page=programmable-magnetic-memory.
[3] Images from: Fast cursor. http://www.fastcursor.com/computers/quantum-computer-photo-gallery.asp
  Nano-Tex is based out of Oakland, CA, and they develop “textile
enhancements” for apparel fabric, home upholstery and furniture,
outdoor furniture, and commercial interior design.
 They say that in using nanotechnology, their “treatments are small enough
to attach to individual fibers, delivering superior performance
characteristics without compromising the look, feel or comfort of the
fabric.”
 Their enhancements can make fabric do the following
• Resists spills
• Resists static
• Releases stains
• Neutralize odors
• Provide wicking properties to pull perspiration away and keep the
body cool and dry
 They have over 50 brand-partners already. You might
be wearing something treated with their enhancements
today!
Resources Nanotex website, http://www.nanotex.com/
  “Scientists working for the US Air Force
produced T-shirts and underwear that can be
worn for weeks at a time without washing, and
the technology has now been licensed to a
London company, Alexium, to develop for
civilian applications.” [1]
 The research was initially developed to create
battle-field uniforms that would protect against
biological warfare and bacterial infections.
 Jeff Owens, the scientist at the US Air Force who
developed the technology, said: “[the] soldiers
who tested them for several weeks and found
that they remained hygienic as the clothing was
actively killing the bacteria. They also helped
clear up some skin complaints in those testing
Resources them."
Gray, R., “Self-clean technology to remove the mud, sweat and tears of wash day for ever,” The Telegraph,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1538211/Self-clean-technology-to-remove-the-mud%2C-sweat-and-tears-of-wash-day-
for-ever.html
Resources Gray, R., “Self-clean technology to remove the mud, sweat and tears of wash day for ever,” The Telegraph,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1538211/Self-clean-technology-to-remove-the-mud%2C-sweat-and-tears-of-wash-day-
for-ever.html
  Nanomaterials can be found in
cosmetics, skincare products, and
sunscreens.
 According to the American Academy
of Dermatology:
“The cosmetic industry leads all
other industries in the number of
patents for nanoparticles, which have
the potential to enhance sunscreens,
shampoos and conditioners, lipsticks,
eye shadows, moisturizers,
deodorants, after-shave products and
perfumes.”
Resources “Sizing up nanotechnology: How nanosized particles may affect skin care products,” American Academy of Dermatology news
release, http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/sizing-up-nanotechnology-how-nanosized-particles-may-affect-skin-
care-products
  Nanoparticles are over one thousand times
smaller than the diameter of a hair! So size and
form of the particles affect the property as well
as the chemical makeup.
 The nanoparticles in sunscreen form an invisible
protective shield over the skin and absorb and
reflect UV radiation.
 Why is this a better method of UV protection?
These sunscreens tend to be gentler on the skin,
effective, last for hours, and they go on clear (not
opaque white like the sunscreens of old).
 Despite the benefits, there is a lot of debate over
the safety of applying nanoparticles to the skin.
Dr. Andrew Maynard, Director of the Risk
Science Center at the University of Michigan
School of Public Health discusses the issue in his
emerging science and technology blog linked
below.
Resources Dr. Andrew Maynard’s blog on emerging science and technology, “Nano-sunscreens leave their mark,”
http://2020science.org/2010/08/19/nano-sunscreens-leave-their-mark/
  Scientists can make
hydroxyapatite, a key
component of tooth enamel,
into nanosized crystals.
 When nano-sized this
ingredient is added to
toothpaste, it forms a protective
film on tooth enamel, and even
restores the surface in
damaged areas.
 Similar nano-products which
actually will repair cavities are
just around the corner.
Resources Berger, M., “Nanotechnology - in my toothpaste...?,” Nanowerk, http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=1091.php\
Compared to the same amount of non-nanosized
materials, nanoparticles have an enormous
surface area. This means that products made with
nanoparticles have a lot more their atoms lying
on the surface than products made without
nanoparticles. Thus they interact more with their
surroundings, both chemically and physically.
Nanoparticles, nanocoatings, and nanopowders
create materials and products which have
amazing possibilities.
 This is a National Science Foundation center which is a
collaborative effort between the George J. Kostas Nanoscale
Technology and Manufacturing Research Center, University
of Massachusetts Lowell Nanomanufacturing Center,
University of New Hampshire CHN group, Michigan State
University NanoMSU, Center for Nano and
Microcontamination Control site at Northeastern University,
and the Boston Museum of Science
 Collectively, they are “focused on developing tools and
processes that will enable high-rate/high-volume bottom-
up, precise, parallel assembly of nanoelements (such as
carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, etc.) and polymer
nanostructures.”
 For an overview of their results thus far, follow this link or
visit their website for research and their education/outreach
materials.
  Carbon nanotubes are being
made into conveyor belts
capable of carrying atom-
sized particles to microscopic
worksites at University of
California, Berkeley.
 In the workplace, nano-scale
conveyor belts could speed Nanoscale conveyor belt. Image

the atom-by-atom credit: Prof. Alex Zettl / U.C.

Berkeley

construction of the world's

smallest devices.
Resources Berkeley Lab, “Frontiers in Nanoscience,” http://www.lbl.gov/Publications/annual-report/2005-2006/files/03-nanofrontiers-3.html
 Summary of a description of the world’s smallest
synthetic motor provided in the reference below.
 This nanomotor has a gold paddle-shaped rotor
blade, measuring between 100 and 300 nanometers
in length. The shaft is a carbon nanotube shaft less
than 10 nanometers thick.
 The first model was 300 times smaller than the
diameter of a human hair. Potentially it can be
made as much as five times smaller. It rotates at
nearly one billion rotations per second.
 Since it is practically frictionless, the motor can
run indefinitely without wearing down. It can even
withstand the temperatures and radiation of
outerspace so it can be used in space explorations.
 “It may also be used in biological and
environmental sensors, cell phones, optics,
airbags, tire sensors, digital pens, blood pressure Image credit: Prof. Alex Zettl /
monitors, extremely smart subwoofers and U.C. Berkeley
antenna alignment.”

Resources Berkeley Lab, “Frontiers in Nanoscience,” http://www.lbl.gov/Publications/annual-report/2005-2006/files/03-nanofrontiers-1.html

 Researchers at the University of Illinois at
Chicago (ref. 1) have found that some
nanomanufacturing processes are expensive and
not very environmentally friendly because of the
following:
 Strict purity needed for starting materials
 Repetitive processing steps
 Processing requires extreme environments

• High temperatures NASA’s Microsystems Fabrication

Laboratory Cleanroom. Photo credit:
• Cryogenics (extremely cold) Marvin Smith/ NASA
• Cleanrooms
 Use of toxic chemicals and solvents As a result, the EPA is
 Generation of greenhouse gases pushing for research in
 High usage of energy and water improved nanomanufacturing
 Low yield compared to starting materials processes that are more
environmentally benign. [2]
Resources [1] Sengul, H., T. L. Theis, and S. Ghosh. "Toward Sustainable Nanoproducts: An Overview of Nanomanufacturing Methods." Journal of
Industrial Ecology 12.3 (2008): 329-59.
http://www.uic.edu/depts/ovcr/iesp/Publications/Faculty%20Publications/Theis/Theis_Toward%20Sustainable%20Nanoproducts.pdf
[2] Savage, N., “Research Advancing Green Manufacturing of Nanotechnology Products,” EPA,
http://www.epa.gov/nanoscience/quickfinder/green.htm
 N
 Jim Hutchinson, chemistry professor at the
University of Oregon, is leading the way to push
using principals of green chemistry as
nanoscience develops. [1]

A
 He is director of Safer Nanomaterials and
Nanomanufacturing Initiative, the goal of which is
to “develop new nanomaterials and

N
nanomanufacturing approaches that offer a high
level of performance, yet pose minimal harm to
human health or the environment.” [2]
 Go to this link to watch a video from ScienCentral
where Prof. Hutchinson describes this work.

Resources [1] “Hutchinson Advocates for Green Nano,” University of Oregon CAScade, http://cascade.uoregon.edu/fall2008/natural-sciences/hutchinson-
advocates-for-green/
[2] Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative website, http://www.greennano.org/
 We can expect there will be greater production
accuracy.
 Cleaner clothes, buildings and windows
 Improved safety thanks to cleaner car windows and
antibacterial products.
 Cheaper materials because of cost-effective mass
production and because materials will be made of
less expensive and environmentally friendly
materials.
 To learn more about nano-enabled consumer products in all areas of
research visit the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies
• Established in April 2005 as a partnership between the Woodrow
Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Pew Charitable Trusts
• “The Project is dedicated to helping ensure that as nanotechnologies
advance, possible risks are minimized, public and consumer
engagement remains strong, and the potential benefits of these new
technologies are realized.”
• Their website includes news and publications about issues with
nanotechnology.
• It also includes inventories of consumer products that are
manufacturer-identified as nanotechnology based, and as of the March
10, 2011 update, there are over 1300 products around the world.

Resources: The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies website: http://www.nanotechproject.org/

If time allows, return to the main website and
watch some of the videos that provide
“expert testimony” in the area of
nanotechnology in manufacturing and
consumer products.
Click here