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Types of nanotechnology
The different types of nanotechnology are classified according to how they proceed (top-down or bottom-up) and the medium in which they work (dry or wet):
- Descending (top-down)
Mechanisms and structures are miniaturised at the nanometric scale — fromone to 100 nanometres in size—. It is the most frequent to date, especially in electronics.
Ascending (bottom-up)
You start with a nanometric structure — a molecule, for example — and through a mounting orself-assemblyprocess you create a larger mechanism than the one you started with.
Dry nanotechnolgy
It is used to manufacture structures in coal, silicon, inorganic materials, metals andsemiconductorsthat do not work with humidity.
- Wet nanotechnology
It is based on biological systems present in an aqueous environment — includinggenetic material,membranes, enzymes and other cellular components —.
EXAMPLES AND APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLGY
Nanotechnology and nanomaterials can be applied in all kinds of industrial sectors. They are usually found in these areas:
Electronics
Carbon nanotubes are close to replacing silicon as a material for making smaller, faster and more efficient microchips and devices, as well as lighter, more conductive and stronger quantum nanowires.Graphene's propertiesmake it an ideal candidate for the development of flexible touchscreens.
Energy
A new semiconductor developed by Kyoto University makes it possible to manufacturesolar panels that double the amount of sunlight converted into electricity.Nanotechnology also lowers costs, produces stronger and lighter wind turbines, improves fuel efficiency and, thanks to the thermal insulation of some nanocomponents, can save energy.
Biomedicine
The properties of some nanomaterials make them ideal for improving early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. Theyare able to attack cancer cells selectivelywithout harming other healthy cells. Some nanoparticles have also been used to enhance pharmaceutical products such as sunscreen.
Environment
Air purification with ions,wastewater purification with nanobubblesor nanofiltration systems for heavy metals are some of its environmentally-friendly applications. Nanocatalysts are also available to make chemical reactions more efficient and less polluting.
Food
In this field,nanobiosensors could be used to detect the presence of pathogensin food or nanocomposites to improve food production by increasing mechanical and thermal resistance and decreasing oxygen transfer in packaged products.
Textile
Nanotechnology makes it possible to developsmart fabricsthat don't stain nor wrinkle, as well as stronger, lighter and more durable materials to make motorcycle helmets or sports equipment.
Nanotechnology in the future
There are bright and dark spots in the future of nanotechnology. On the one hand, the sector is expectedto grow globally, driven by technological advances, increased government support, increased private investment and growing demand for smaller devices,to name a few. However, the environmental, health and safety risks of nanotechnology and concerns related to its commercialisation could hamper market expansion.
The United States, Brazil and Germany will lead the nanotechnology industry in 2024,with an important presence in the Top 15 Asian countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, India, Taiwan and Malaysia. The cosmetics sector will climb positions stealing third place from the biomedical sector in a ranking that will be led by electronics and energy, as it is now.
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