The ways in which nanotechnology is being used are many and various and continue to grow at a remarkable pace. Nanotechnology is the science of producing sub-microscopic components which can be combined into useful products that can then be used in every imaginable way. Nanotechnology is found in manufacturing, plastics, aerospace, food processing, packaging, electronics, clothing and medicine to name just a few.
Nanotechnology is used in the production of batteries and energy storage systems. The nanotechnology materials provide high power output coupled with longer life while at the same time being lighter in weight and occupying less space than traditional products. And once the battery has reached the end of its useful life it is less of an environmental hazard because the nanotechnology parts are built to be chemically inert.
Ultra-thin membranes manufactured using nanomaterials are used in desalination plants. These have been demonstrated to produce up to 70% more water than traditional membranes and require up to 20% less energy to do so. The technology is used in creating a wide variety of filters which have many applications in environmental projects such as sewage treatment plants, water and gas purification.
Nanoparticles are used in coating solar panels. These particles can be created in the form of an ink and as such can be painted on to surfaces without needing to use a clean room, thus reducing manufacturing costs. They also have properties which makes them more efficient at generating electricity.
Nanotechnology is widely used in the automotive industry. One of the big problems facing manufacturers of cars, trucks, planes etc is reducing weight without compromising safety. Much progress has been made in developing lighter-weight metallic compounds and carbon fiber components. Nanotechnology provides even better weight to strength performance. Windscreen manufacturers also use nanotechnology. Nanoparticles integrated into the windscreen can become activated by the weather and actively dislodge dirt and insect debris from the windscreen. The particles can also influence how water spreads across the screen making the wipers more effective. Nanoparticles are also added to paints to make them scratch resistant.
Ever since the clothing industry existed its three big goals have been to produce clothing that is stain proof, water resistant and easy iron or crease proof. Several of these goals are being achieved by nanotechnology. Nanoparticles are sprayed onto the garments providing an effective shield against stains and water. And because the particles are actually rigid objects, they prevent garments from creasing.
So far the products we have looked at have functioned essentially as inert. But one of the most exciting areas of nanotechnology is in creating materials that will be designed to latch on to other materials. If this area proves successful we can expect to see nanoproducts being designed to mop up pollutants by attaching to specific chemicals or to mop up oil spills by attaching to the oil atoms. Similar technology could be used to create drugs which will attach to specific viruses and bacteria rendering them ineffectual.
Nanotechnology is used in the production of batteries and energy storage systems. The nanotechnology materials provide high power output coupled with longer life while at the same time being lighter in weight and occupying less space than traditional products. And once the battery has reached the end of its useful life it is less of an environmental hazard because the nanotechnology parts are built to be chemically inert.
Ultra-thin membranes manufactured using nanomaterials are used in desalination plants. These have been demonstrated to produce up to 70% more water than traditional membranes and require up to 20% less energy to do so. The technology is used in creating a wide variety of filters which have many applications in environmental projects such as sewage treatment plants, water and gas purification.
Nanoparticles are used in coating solar panels. These particles can be created in the form of an ink and as such can be painted on to surfaces without needing to use a clean room, thus reducing manufacturing costs. They also have properties which makes them more efficient at generating electricity.
Nanotechnology is widely used in the automotive industry. One of the big problems facing manufacturers of cars, trucks, planes etc is reducing weight without compromising safety. Much progress has been made in developing lighter-weight metallic compounds and carbon fiber components. Nanotechnology provides even better weight to strength performance. Windscreen manufacturers also use nanotechnology. Nanoparticles integrated into the windscreen can become activated by the weather and actively dislodge dirt and insect debris from the windscreen. The particles can also influence how water spreads across the screen making the wipers more effective. Nanoparticles are also added to paints to make them scratch resistant.
Ever since the clothing industry existed its three big goals have been to produce clothing that is stain proof, water resistant and easy iron or crease proof. Several of these goals are being achieved by nanotechnology. Nanoparticles are sprayed onto the garments providing an effective shield against stains and water. And because the particles are actually rigid objects, they prevent garments from creasing.
So far the products we have looked at have functioned essentially as inert. But one of the most exciting areas of nanotechnology is in creating materials that will be designed to latch on to other materials. If this area proves successful we can expect to see nanoproducts being designed to mop up pollutants by attaching to specific chemicals or to mop up oil spills by attaching to the oil atoms. Similar technology could be used to create drugs which will attach to specific viruses and bacteria rendering them ineffectual.
