Technology has made things that felt impossible to become a possibility, making it mankind’s most outstanding achievement. Scientists have stayed committed to developing and upgrading technology to achieve more feats.
From vacuum tubes to advanced nanotechnology, technology has evolved to serve greater purposes. Let’s dive into the details of this branch of science, one of the most advanced technology forms, and how it brought imagination into reality.
What Is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is a branch of science and engineering focused on designing and producing structures, devices, and systems.
It achieves this by manipulating atoms and molecules at a nanoscale. The nanoscale refers to a dimensional measure between 1 and 1000 nanometers. Nanotech has been applied to several sectors to serve an advanced purpose. Some of the sectors include:
- Computing and electronics;
- Medicine and health care;
- Energy and environment;
- Online gaming, such as NV Casino, using enhanced graphics;
- Textiles and consumer products;
- Military and space exploration.
Inspiration Behind Nanotechnology
According to the history books, nanotechnology’s development occurred towards the end of the 20th century. It was around this period that microprocessors were also designed. After further research, you will see that the idea of it dates back to the (mid-20th century).
Then, Richard Feynman, a physicist, introduced the idea in his lecture, “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom.” He proposed that scientists could manipulate individual atoms and molecules to create new materials and devices. Unfortunately, the technology in that era wasn’t sustainable enough to carry out this objective.
However, the constant upgrade of technology fueled by scientific curiosity led to a breakthrough in the final quarter of the 21st century, making the development of nanotechnology possible. This breakthrough brought about the intention of scientists to apply this type of technology to several sectors, including medicine and health care.
The Birth of Nanotechnology
After the inspiration from Richard Feynman and the advancement of technology, the development of the first nanotechnology-based device was attained. In 1981, two scientists, Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer at IBM, Zurich, developed a device that allows scientists to see and manipulate individual atoms.
This device was called “The Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM).” It was a major breakthrough in the development of nanotech as it made nanoscale research possible. From the STM, it advanced gradually to the development of:
- The first controlled nanostructure in 1989;
- Carbon nanotubes in 1991, Quantum Dots;
- The first nanotechnology-based product, “Nanoparticle-Enhanced Sunscreen,” between the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Evolution of Nanotechnology
This science has undergone several stages before becoming a high-level technology as we know it today. Moving from just a single theory of Richard Feynman to the development of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope, let’s explore its evolution:
- Richard Feynman’s theory: This theory is considered the beginning of nanotechnology. Without this theory, scientists might not have come across this. Similarly, without this idea, there would not be curious minds, no research, no attempts, and finally, no creation of nanotechnology. Hence, we can say the theory is the spark of its development.
- The Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM): After Feynman’s proposal, scientists studied the theory for years. In 1981, the first nanotechnology was developed. This invention marked the beginning of nanotechnology as it opened doors for further innovations. Researchers built on this breakthrough, and many new discoveries followed. Its impact spans various industries today.
- The first controlled nanostructure: In 1989, Don Eigler, a scientist at IBM, used the STM device for atomic manipulation. He moved individual xenon atoms and arranged them to form the IBM logo. This was the first demonstration of atomic manipulation. His work proved that atoms could be precisely controlled at the nanoscale.
- Carbon nanotubes: In 1991, a Japanese scientist, Sumio Lijima, discovered carbon nanotubes. They are cylindrical structures of carbon atoms with great strength and conductivity. The nanotubes are now applied to electronics and medicines.
- Quantum dots: Between the 1980s and 1990s, researchers developed quantum dots. They are nanoscale semiconductor particles that emit light at specific wavelengths. These particles are now used in several electronics, including solar cells and LED displays.
- Nanotechnology-based product: In the early 2000s, the first product was developed using nanotechnology. Nanoparticles were applied to sunscreens to enhance UV protection. This stage is the current stage in the world of nanotechnology.
Application of Nanotechnology
As stated earlier in the article, nanotechnology has evolved and perfected to suit several sectors of the global economy. It serves a purpose in each of these sectors. Let’s discuss the 5 major sectors this science has been adopted into and its purpose in each of them.
Computing and Electronics
Nanotechnology has been adopted into the ICT world to serve numerous purposes. Here are the major ones:
- Portable and faster processors;
- Flexible and wearable electronic devices;
- Quantum Dots used in LED displays;
- Enhanced graphics processing for online gaming.
Medicine and Health Care
Nanotechnology also plays a vital role in the medical sector. By providing advanced treatments, it carries out the following roles:
- Drugs are delivered directly to diseased cells, like cancer treatments;
- Detecting and repairing damaged cells by nanorobots;
- Detecting early sickness with biosensors;
- Sterilizing medical equipment and wound dressings with antibacterial coatings.
Energy and Environment
The introduction of nanotech into the environment has simplified environmental maintenance and energy conversion:
- In solar panels, quantum dots and nanomaterials increase solar cell efficiency;
- Nano filters help purify water;
- Carbon nanotubes and graphene improve the strength of aerospace and automotive materials.
Textiles and Consumer Products
Nanotechnology has been used to develop consumer products with specific features and purposes. Some of these products and their purposes include:
- Sunscreens: Provides UV protection without white residue;
- Automatic cleaning glass: Helps surfaces resist dirt and water;
- Stain-resistant fabrics: Serves for water and dirt-repellent clothing.
Military and Space Exploration
The military has also applied nanotechnology to its gears. Spacecraft development companies like NASA have also applied this technology to their creations:
- Nanomaterials enhance protective gear for the military;
- It also helps in detecting chemical and biological threats;
- Improves energy storage for long-duration space missions;
- In spacecraft, it is used to develop heat-resistant and light materials.
As you can see, nowadays, nanotechnology has a considerable influence on a lot of various spheres, from electronics and medicine to energy and military sectors. It proves one more time that we can expect some revolutionary changes in the field of this science in the near future.
