Nanotechnologies

The utilisation of the structure and properties of nanoparticles is a revolutionary and state-of-the-art technology that can be applied in a wide array of fields and human activities.

The term 'nanotechnology' generally refers to a technical field that explores the creation and use of nanometric technologies (usually approx. 1-100 nm), i.e. 10^-9 m (a trillionth of meter), which equals about one thousandth of a human hair width.

Nanotechnology currently includes four principal areas: nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, molecular nanotechnology and microscopes with nanometer resolution.

Nanotechnology is basically a science of nanometer-sized materials.

Nanomaterials

(nanostructured materials) include those materials the new properties of which are defined by characteristic features (particles, clusters, hollows) measuring, at least in two dimensions, between 1 and 100 nm.

Potential for nanotechnology use

1. Displays made of organic light emitting diodes (OLED)
2. Thin photovoltaic layers transforming light radiation into electricity
3. Scratch-resistant coatings with self-cleaning capability
4. Dirt-resistant textiles with temperature regulation capability
5. Intelligent garments able to monitor the pulse and breath
6. Lightweight and sturdy tube frames
7. Hip replacements made of biocompatible materials
8. Thermochromic glass with solar control capability
9. Anticorrosion coatings containing nanoparticles
10. Magnetic layers for memory media
11. Fuel cells using carbon nanotubes
12. Cochlear implants
13. Semiconductor chips and microelectronic applications
14. Catalysis of chemical processes (Au-based analysis)
15. Ceramics, light alloys, metal oxides and other metal compounds, ferrites, magnets
16. Covers, paints, pigments, plastics, filling agents, food packaging, surface waterproofing applications
17. Polymeric composite materials with enhanced mechanical properties (antibacterial plastics, antibacterial footwear)
18. Transparent composite materials, UV filters with TiO₂, ZnO
19. Combustion chambers, gas sensors, battery electrodes
20. Nanobarcodes
21. Tips for scanning probe microscopes
22. Cleaning of enzymes and pharmaceuticals
23. Medical applications, contrast substances, hyperthermia, targeted tumour therapy, blood detoxification
24. Environmental applications - water treatment
25. Sensorics and safety applications - pressure and thermal sensors in construction materials
26. Electronics - high-capacity recording media
27. Photographic materials, photocells, fuel cells, high-capacity batteries
28. Automotive industry - airbag propellants, super hard scratch-resistant varnishes
29. Construction industry - new generation insulation materials, self-cleaning exterior paints
30. Space industry - catalytic converters, resistant surfaces of satellites

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