NANOMATERIALS

Nanomaterials are‘material with any external dimension in the nanoscale (size range from
approximately 1 – 100 nm) or having internal structure or surface structure in the nanoscale’.
Nanomaterials are of interest because at this scale unique optical, magnetic, electrical, and other
properties emerge. These emergent properties have the potential for great impacts in electronics,
medicine, and other fields. These emergent properties have the potential for great impacts in
electronics, medicine, and other fields.Some nanomaterials occur naturally, but of particular interest
are engineered nanomaterials (EN), which are designed for, and already being used in many
commercial products and processes. They can be found in such things as sunscreens, cosmetics,
sporting goods, stain-resistant clothing, tires, electronics, as well as many other everyday items,
and are used in medicine for purposes of diagnosis, imaging and drug delivery.

The two main reasons why materials at the nano scale can have different properties are increased
relative surface area and new quantum effects. Nanomaterials have a much greater surface area to
volume ratio than their conventional forms, which can lead to greater chemical reactivity and affect
their strength. Also at the nano scale, quantum effects can become much more important in
determining the materials.

PREPARATION OF NANOMATERIALS:
When it comes to the synthesis of metallic Nanoparticles, two distinct approaches are utilized. The
first is the top-down strategy and the second approach is referred to as the bottom-up strategy. While
the former deals with the reduction in size of current technological devices, the latter performs an
opposite role, which is building of even more complex molecular devices on an atomic arrangement.
TOP-DOWN APPROACH
The top-down approach usually involves the following processes:
1. Cutting
2.Grinding
3.Itching.
4. Ionic/electronic irradiation
BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
The bottom-up approach utilizes physical and chemical processes that function at the nanoscale to
integrate main components into bigger structures. A reduction in unit size, the approach yields a
relevant consummation to the top-down approach. Biological systems provide a motivation for this
approach in which natural forces of life harness their chemical counterparts to produce the structures.
Gold-palladium alloy nanoparticles which were based on carbon treated with acid and breaking down
hydrogen peroxide are formed from the combination of white hydrogen and red oxygen when
disallowing unwanted decay.
This approach has been used in the production of nanoparticles from condensation to coalescence of
atomic vapors and liquids, respectively.
1. sol-gel techniques
This allows the production of nanomaterials from alkoxides or colloidal based solution. They take the
form of monoliths, crystallized nano pigments, and thin layers. They are centered on reactions in
polymerization. The three types of this are sol-gel, metal alkoxide, and pechini.
2.Lithgraphy in which growth of thin film is done.

APPLICATIONS
Nanoscale additives to or surface treatments of fabrics can provide lightweight ballistic energy
deflection in personal body armor, or can help them resist wrinkling, staining, and bacterial growth.
Clear nanoscale films on eyeglasses, computer and camera displays, windows, and other surfaces can
make them water- and residue-repellent, antireflective, self-cleaning, resistant to ultraviolet or infrared
light, antifog, antimicrobial, scratch-resistant, or electrically conductive.
Nanoscale materials are beginning to enable washable, durable “smart fabrics” equipped with flexible
nanoscale sensors and electronics with capabilities for health monitoring, solar energy capture, and
energy harvesting through movement.
Nanoparticles are used increasingly in catalysis to boost chemical reactions. This reduces the quantity
of catalytic materials necessary to produce desired results, saving money and reducing pollutants. Two
big applications are in petroleum refining and in automotive catalytic converters.
Nano-engineered materials make superior household products such as degreasers and stain removers;
environmental sensors, air purifiers, and filters; antibacterial cleansers; and specialized paints and
sealing products, such a self-cleaning house paints that resist dirt and marks.
Nanoscale materials are also being incorporated into a variety of personal care products to improve
performance. Nanoscale titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have been used for years in sunscreen to
provide protection from the sun while appearing invisible on the skin.
 Carbon nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical molecules that consist of rolled-up sheets of single-layer
carbon atoms (graphene). They can be single-walled (SWCNT) with a diameter of less than 1
nanometer (nm) or multi-walled (MWCNT), consisting of several concentrically interlinked
nanotubes, with diameters reaching more than 100 nm. Their length can reach several micrometers or
even millimeters.
Nanotubes are formed by folding or rolling two-dimensional graphite into a cylindrical shape structure.
Nanotubes are hollow from inside. The diameter of the nanotube is around 1-3 nanometers. The length
of the carbon nanotube is much higher than its diameter. Nanotube length generally goes to a few
micrometers. In short, we can say that carbon nan (CNT) is a folded form of the two-dimensional
graphene sheet. CNT (carbon nanotubes) exhibit extraordinary mechanical properties.

Properties of Carbon Nanotube

2. The gravitational weight of the nanotube is very low.

3. Carbon nanotubes have a high thermal capacity. Generally, it is twenty times stronger than steel.
Therefore, it does not expand on heating like that of steel. Therefore carbon nanotubes uses in making
bridges and aircrafts material

4. In carbon nanotubes, each carbon atom is surrounded by three other carbon atoms through covalent
bonds. These carbon-carbon covalent bonds form lattices in the shape of hexagons.

5. The crystalline structure of carbon nanotubes exists in the form of regular hexagons.

6. Carbon nanotubes are good conductors of heat.

7. Carbon nanotubes have good electrical conductivity.

8. Carbon nanotubes are chemically neutral. So, they are chemically stable. Therefore, carbon nanotubes
resist corrosion.

TYPES OF CARBON NANOTUBES

1. Single-walled Carbon nanotubes : Contain several concentric cylindrical lattices of carbon

2. Multi-walled Carbon nanotubes: Contain only one cylinder of carbon atoms.

Applications of carbon nanotubes

• Carbon nanotubes are used to make bullet- proof jackets.

• Carbon nanotubes can be used to make aircraft and spacecraft bodies.

• Carbon nanotubes can be used to build high-performance nanoscaled thin-film transistors to replace
silicon-based transistors because of the semiconducting properties of carbon nanotubes.

• Carbon nanotubes can be used to make biosensors and electrochemical sensors.

• Carbon nanotubes are used in making electrodes to study electrochemical reactions because of their
excellent electrical properties.