Nanotechnology

Nanoscience, nanotechnology, or nanotech, are all used to describe the same dynamic new field of applied science. Simply put, nanotechnology is the study and development of components measuring 100 nanometers (one billionth of a meter) or less. At these dimensions, matter begins to exhibit different characteristics. Aluminum explodes on contact with the air. Carbon can become a one-dimensional material, and conduct electricity better than copper.

The applications of nanotechnology have been both expansive and prosaic. Nanocrystal quantum dots are being developed to provide efficient emission of laser light, which could pave the way for startling efficiency of computing, communications and remote sensing. One of the first commerical practices of nanotechnology was the development of nanocatalysts for important chemical reactions. Nanocatalysts are being developed with 100% selectivity, extremely high activity, low energy consumption, and long lifetimes, to replace expensive and frangible catalysts and speed the forward motion of scientific research.

In the more prosaic realm, nanotechnology has been applied to the automotive industry to produce cars with improved engine efficiency, lighter but stronger body materials, reduced environmental impact, even self-repairing materials for better economies.

The result of nanotechnology is already apparent on store shelves–we already see pants, shirts and bedsheets with nanostructure textile coatings that make them wrinkle-proof or stain-repellent.