Semiconductor nanocrystals are being used as fluorescent biological labels. It is
likely that sensors based on nanotechnology will revolutionize health care, climate
control and detection of toxic substances. It is quite possible that we will have
nanochips to carry out complete chemical analysis. Such nano-total analysis systems will have to employ new approaches to valves, pipes, pumps, separations and
detection.
A knowledge of the processes related to nanoscale structures, natural as well as
man-made, is useful in understanding transport and other aspects of these materials, and in developing technologies for preventing or minimizing harm to the
environment. The use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis (including
nanocatalysis) for improving energy efficiency and reducing waste is well documented. The design of environmentally benign nanocomposites, the use of nanoparticles of TiO 2 and other nanomaterials for environmental cleansing processes
and of nano-porous solids for sorption, are examples of the applications of nanotechnology for the protection and improvement of the environment. The use of
nanoporous polymers for water purification and purification of liquids by photocatalysis of nanoparticles of TiO 2 are two other examples.
1.7
Concluding Remarks
The subject of nanomaterials is of great vitality and offers immense opportunities.
It is truly interdisciplinary and encompasses chemistry, physics, biology, materials
and engineering. Interaction amongst scientists with different backgrounds will
undoubtedly create new science, and in particular new materials, with unforeseen
technological possibilities. What is noteworthy is that nanotechnology is likely to
benefit not only the electronics industry, but also the chemical and space industries, as well as medicine and health care. Chemistry has much to contribute to
most aspects of the science and technology of nanomaterials.
Bibliography
1 Nanostructure Science and Technology,
eds. R. W. Seigel, E. Hu, M. C. Roco,
National Science and Technology
Council Report, Kluwer Academic
Publishers, Boston 1999.
2 M. C. Roco, R. S. William, A. P.
Alivisatos, Nanotechnology Research
Directions, National Science and
Technology Council Report, Kluwer
Academic Publishers, Boston 2000.
3 Issues in Nanotechnology, Science,
2000, 290, 1523–1555.
4 Special topical issue on Nanostructural Systems, Pure Appl. Chem., 2001,
72, 2002, 74.
5 C. N. R. Rao, A. K. Cheetham, J.
Mater. Chem., 2001, 11, 2887.
6 J. Jortner, C. N. R. Rao, Pure Appl.
Chem., 2002, 74, 1491.
7 National Nanotechnology Initiative,
National Science and Technology
Council, Washington D.C., June
2002.
Bibliography 11
likely that sensors based on nanotechnology will revolutionize health care, climate
control and detection of toxic substances. It is quite possible that we will have
nanochips to carry out complete chemical analysis. Such nano-total analysis systems will have to employ new approaches to valves, pipes, pumps, separations and
detection.
A knowledge of the processes related to nanoscale structures, natural as well as
man-made, is useful in understanding transport and other aspects of these materials, and in developing technologies for preventing or minimizing harm to the
environment. The use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis (including
nanocatalysis) for improving energy efficiency and reducing waste is well documented. The design of environmentally benign nanocomposites, the use of nanoparticles of TiO 2 and other nanomaterials for environmental cleansing processes
and of nano-porous solids for sorption, are examples of the applications of nanotechnology for the protection and improvement of the environment. The use of
nanoporous polymers for water purification and purification of liquids by photocatalysis of nanoparticles of TiO 2 are two other examples.
1.7
Concluding Remarks
The subject of nanomaterials is of great vitality and offers immense opportunities.
It is truly interdisciplinary and encompasses chemistry, physics, biology, materials
and engineering. Interaction amongst scientists with different backgrounds will
undoubtedly create new science, and in particular new materials, with unforeseen
technological possibilities. What is noteworthy is that nanotechnology is likely to
benefit not only the electronics industry, but also the chemical and space industries, as well as medicine and health care. Chemistry has much to contribute to
most aspects of the science and technology of nanomaterials.
Bibliography
1 Nanostructure Science and Technology,
eds. R. W. Seigel, E. Hu, M. C. Roco,
National Science and Technology
Council Report, Kluwer Academic
Publishers, Boston 1999.
2 M. C. Roco, R. S. William, A. P.
Alivisatos, Nanotechnology Research
Directions, National Science and
Technology Council Report, Kluwer
Academic Publishers, Boston 2000.
3 Issues in Nanotechnology, Science,
2000, 290, 1523–1555.
4 Special topical issue on Nanostructural Systems, Pure Appl. Chem., 2001,
72, 2002, 74.
5 C. N. R. Rao, A. K. Cheetham, J.
Mater. Chem., 2001, 11, 2887.
6 J. Jortner, C. N. R. Rao, Pure Appl.
Chem., 2002, 74, 1491.
7 National Nanotechnology Initiative,
National Science and Technology
Council, Washington D.C., June
2002.
Bibliography 11