Current and Potential Application

of Nanomaterials

1.NANO-ELECTRONICS

Fig. Possible impact of nanotechnology on electronic products

Molecular electronic devices

1. Electric fieldcontrolled molecular switching devices
2. Electromechanical molecular electronic devices: These involve the
application of electrical or mechanical forces to move a switching
molecule to turn the current on and off in the device.
3. Photoactive/photochromic molecular switching devices: These
devices rely on the optical properties of a molecule to change their
electron configuration, to enable the switching action of the device.
4.

Electrochemical

molecular

devices:

These

are

based

on

electrochemical reactions to enable the switching action of the device

NANOSENSORS
Nanosensors exhibit several distinct advantages over their micro
scale and macroscale counterparts as listed below:
Reduction in the overall size and weight of the associated system
Cost reduction
Mass production
Utilization of physical phenomena appearing on the nanoscale
Low power consumption
Certain applications require nanoscale systems for functional
applications, for example implanted medical sensors must be in the
nanoscale.
Enhanced sensitivity
Higher level of integration

NANOCATALYSTS
Chemical reactions are significantly enhanced by catalysts.
Due to the large surface area-to volume ratio, nanomaterials
can be more efficient catalysts. Nanocatalysts can lead to
cost savings and can also have higher selectivity than
conventional catalysts; this can reduce waste and hence the
environmental impact.

Nanocatalysts Applications
1. Gold nanoparticles : Gold nanoparticles have attracted attention as
catalysts because of their wide application in CO oxidation,
epoxidation of propylene, water gas shift reaction, hydrogenation
of unsaturated hydrocarbons and liquid phase selective oxidation.
2. Magnetic nanoparticles : Magnetic nanoparticles are being used for
a variety of applications such as catalysis, drug delivery, etc. Silica
and carbon are used to maintain the stability of these nanoparticles.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Some of the possible areas of application of nanoscience in agriculture
and food processing
include:
Nano-porous zeolites for slow and efficient release of water and fertilisers
for plants, and nutrients and drugs for livestock
Nanocapsules for herbicide delivery
Nanosensors for soil quality and plant health monitoring
Nanocomposites for plastic film coatings used in food packaging
Antimicrobial nano-emulsions in the decontamination of food equipment,
packaging or food processing

Fig. Applications of nanotechnology in the agriculture and food sectors

COSMETICS AND CONSUMER GOODS

Nanomaterial-based cosmetic products are becoming increasingly
popular. Currently, more than a few hundred nanomaterial-based
cosmetics, sunscreens, anti-ageing and personal care products are
commercially available

WATER TREATMENT AND THE

ENVIRONMENT
Nanotechnology can contribute to effective water management in
many ways:
Nano-membranes and nano-clays for water filtration and
desalination.
Nanoparticle-activated wastewater reuse systems.
Nanosensors to monitor water quality against bacteria, heavy metals
and toxins.

TEXTILES
There are many novel applications of nanotechnology in the
textile industry to provide multifunctional attributes to fabrics.
For example, the fabric can be made stain resistant, water
repellent or absorbing, light emitting, antibacterial, release
fragrance in a controlled manner, etc

PAINTS
Incorporating nanoparticles in paints could improve their
performance, for example, by making them lighter and giving them
different properties. Thinner paint coatings can reduce the weight.
The solvent content of paints may also be substantially reduced
with nanopaints.