Applications and manufacturing of nanoparticles

Written by

Insha Rafiq

Ever wondered how these nanoparticles are formed and what are their real life applications? Let’s find out together, the Applications and manufacturing of nanoparticles.

Let’s go back to ancient times when manufacturing was done by hand. With no computers around and advanced machines to handle and analyse each and every task involved in product manufacturing. Skilled workers could only perform these tasks. Thereby slowing production time. Due to manual intervention manufacturing accuracy wasn’t up to the mark sometimes. The first major revolution that changed whole scenario of manufacturing industry was Industrial Revolution. That occurred during 18th century. Due to this major shift, instead of items being produced by skilled hands, were now manufactured using machines. Thereby decreasing production time and increasing output.

Due to continuous advancement in manufacturing technologies. We now are moving towards “NANOTECHNOLOGY ERA”. If you are a technocrat, you would have definitely heard about the word “NANOTECHNOLOGY”. As it is getting a lot of attention from past few years. Most researchers and scientists claim nanotechnology as next scientific revolution. With promises of faster gadgets, potential solution to energy crisis, cure to many diseases like cancer and the list goes on. But first we need to understand what exactly this word “Nanotechnology” mean. And can it really bring next scientific revolution ?

Norio Taniguchi, a professor of Science by profession was the person who tossed the term Nanotechnology in 1974. Nanotechnology is a field of research and innovation that is mainly concerned with building ‘things’ smartly (here smartly refers to light weighted equipment, low manufacturing cost and more efficient devices) and helps to improve many technological and industrial sectors to a large extent. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) defines nanotechnology as the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers (1×10^-9m). Nanotechnology deals with smaller dimensions. When something is on the nanoscale, it measures  1 – 100 nanometers (nm) in at least one of its dimensions. 

PROPERTIES OF NANOPARTICLES

We always have observed people behave according to the situations they are in. Similarly these smart particles behave according to their dimensions .So we can say that at nanoscale dimensions, materials may behave in different and unusual way. At the nanoscale, many common materials exhibit unusual and different properties. Such as remarkable conductivity, high efficiency of solar devices, highly durable materials and list goes on.

Now lets make it more understandable by this example. At macro dimensions, gold (Au) is shiny yellow. However, when its dimensions are reduced to nano i.e 25 nm in size, gold particles appear red. Hence we can say that at nanoscale dimensions particles interact differently with light. Therefore the gold (Au) particles give us a different color shade . So it is clear that depending on the size and shape of the particles, same materials can show different properties.

Researchers are continuously focusing on what wonders can nanoparticles do. And they are analysing different and unexpected behaviors of nanoparticles to make new technologies. Researchers in many different disciplines hope to create many new things. Ranging from everyday products such as smart clothing and lighter sports items to more efficient solar cells, faster and smaller computers or medical treatments that targets specific types of cells. Many scientists and engineers think that the possible applications of nanotechnology are endless. And Yes, it can shape our FUTURE SMARTLY.

MANUFACTURING OF NANOPARTICLES

Time to find out how nanoparticles are formed and what approaches do we use while manufacturing these nanoparticles.

Top-down approach

In “top-down” approach large scale objects are reduced to nano sized dimensions. It involves the breaking down of large pieces into smaller one. It is a physical process. It consists of ultra fine micro machining of materials using nanolithography, epitaxy and etching. This approach, usually deals in manufacturing of interconnected and integrated structures. This approach is mainly used in manufacturing of electronic circuitry. Mechanical methods like crushing and grinding are used to break bulk into several parts to form nanoparticles.

Bottom-up approach

In “Bottom-up” approach, single atoms and molecules fabricate into larger nanostructures. In other words we can say in bottom-up approach, different materials and devices are constructed from molecular components, on their own which do not require any external agent to assemble them. This is a chemical process. Particles chemically assemble themselves by recognizing the molecules of their own type. First step in this process is collection and combination of atoms and molecules to build complex structures. It is a very powerful method of creating identical structures with atomic precision. Using principles of molecular recognition, materials and devices are built from molecular components which assemble themselves chemically. Colloidal dispersion is an example of bottom -up approach in synthesis of nanoparticles.

Applications of nanoparticles

There are endless applications of nanotechnology in every domain of life. From faster microprocessors that consume less energy, invisible particles that fight cancer cells, batteries that last 5 times longer or solar panels that yield thrice as much energy to food packaging and food processing. Below are given some common application of Nanotechnology.

• Revolutionizing Electronics

Field-Instead of Silicon now Carbon nanotubes are used for making faster, smaller and more efficient microchips, Integrated chips etc. Carbon nanotubes are now close to replace silicon as a material. For making smaller, faster and more efficient microchips and devices. Graphene’s extraordinary properties makes it an absolute fit for the development of flexible touchscreens used in display screens, also used as an anti-corrosion agent etc.

• Role of nanoparticles in Energy Production

Kyoto University (Japan) recently developed a new semiconductor which makes it possible to manufacture efficient solar panels that approximately have twice the efficiency of trapping sunlight and convert it into electricity as general solar panels. Nanotechnology also lowers cost of production, produces highly efficient energy producing devices and many more.

• Nanoparticles and Healthcare

Properties of some nano materials make them suitable for improving healthcare by diagnosing fatal diseases and provides potential solution for their treatment, by attacking affected cells selectively without harming other healthy cells. Some nanoparticles have also been used in skin care products such as sunscreens etc.

• Nanoparticles & Textiles

No need to worry about ironing or staining your favourite dress as due to these nanoparticles smart fabrics are manufactured that don’t stain nor wrinkle. In addition, these fabrics are lighter, stronger and more durable.

• Revolutionizing Food Industry

Nanoparticles such as nano biosensors are used to detect the presence of pathogens (disease causing agents) to improve food quality. Nanoparticles find their application in both food packaging and food processing.

• Nanoparticles as Eco-friendly particles

Producing less pollution, Increasing efficiency of energy producing devices thereby decreases pollution contributed by coal generated electricity plants etc. Also purification with nanoparticles, and breakdown of wastes and its purification with nano bubbles are some of its eco-friendly applications.

But list of applications doesn’t end here as there are enormous applications of nanotechnology in every sphere that’s why they are also known as “Miracle particles”.

About the Author

Insha Rafiq is a spirited and motivated fresher with strong work ethic, creative ability and dedication. She is from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir and a mechanical engineering graduate of SSM College of Engineering and technology .She is interested in writing and learning about new and emerging fields of science & technology particularly related to industrial engineering domain.

LinkedIn: Insha Rafiq