What is nanotechnology?

• The engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale

• Building machines on the scale of molecules – a few nanometres wide

• Involves the controlling and restructuring matter at the nanoscale

• Endless possibilities regarding its uses

Extra info:A nanometre is a billionth of a metre. That’s half of the diameter of a strand of DNA!

The 4 generations of nanotechnology

4th generation: Molecular nanosystems

Molecular devices by design, atomic design, emerging functions

3rd generation: Systems of nanosystemsGuided assembly, 3D networking and new hierarchical architectures, robotics, evolutionary

2nd generation: Active nanostructuresBio-active, health effects: Targeted drugs, biodevices Physico-chemical active: 3D transistors, amplifiers,

actuators, adaptive structures

1st generation: Passive nanostructuresDispersed and contact nanostructures: aerosols,

colloids

Products incorporating nanostructures: coatings, nanoparticle reinforces composites, nanostructured

metals, polymers, ceramics

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2015-2020

How does nanotechnology work?

• Quantum mechanics play a very important role in nanotechnology

• Quantum physics is different from classical physics as substances at the nanoscale can behave erratically from what was expected

• For example:• An electron can teleport—this is called electron tunneling• Substances that are insulators can become semi-

conductors at the nanoscale• We can manipulate substances at the nanoscale to use

them in various applications