Nanoscience

Nanoscience@Cambridge

IRC inNanotechnology

James Bendall

Nanoscience CentreIRC in Nanotechnology

University of Cambridge

Email: jsb53@cam.ac.ukWeb: http://www.nanoscience.cam.ac.uk

Definitions

• Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ where properties differ significantly from those at larger scale.significantly from those at larger scale.

• Nanotechnology is the design, characterisation, production of and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanometre scale.

Surface area

• Surface area proportional to 1/size:

Given 1cm3 of material1cm3 cube 6cm2

1m3 cubes 6m2

1nm3 cubes 6000m2

Proportion of surface atoms:1cm3 cube 1 in

107

1m3 cube 1 in 103

1nm3 cube 80%

Properties at the nanoscale - optical

Lycurgus chalice ~400AD

Diffused light Focussed light

70nm particlesof gold and silver

[Johann Kunckel ~1670, Germany]

“Nanotechnology has given us the tools…to play with the ultimate toy box of nature – atoms and molecules. Everything is made from it….The possibilities to create new things appear limitless”

Horst StormerLucent Technologies and Columbia

University, Nobel Prize winner.

Shape - synthesis

Flow rate

(50-500 sccm)

Pressure

(1-20 Torr)

Temperature

(900-1190C)

ConeCone

NanowiresNanowires

Nanowires flowersNanowires flowers

FlowersFlowers

Big catalyst flowerBig catalyst flower

Family of SiC nanostructures

GraphiteGraphite

Same element…different properties

CARBON•Soft•Electrical conductor

•Hard•Electrical insulator

•Strong•Metallic or semiconducting

•Semiconductor•Perfectly symmetrical molecule

World Funding for Nanotechnology (2004)

Source : European Commission(2004) : Private figures based on upon Lux Research

Courtesy : E. Andreta

Predicted value of Nano Industry

Many studies of the MNT industry have been carried out and have predicted the future value of business

Estimated at $1,000 million p.a. in 10 years time

It is not just the value of the MNT industry that is important, but also the economic impact MNT will have across manufacturing, the medical field, and defence

Additional annual sales of nearly $3,000 million p.a. in new or improved industrial products and medical systems are predicted through the use of MNT devices in 10 years time

Key MNT Market Areas for the UK

Healthcare and Biotechnology

Automotive and Aerospace

Information and Communications Technologies

Food and Drink

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced Materials

Energy

Security and Environmental

• Nanomembranes for water purification, desalination, detoxification

e.g. carbon nanotube

engineering

Nanotechnology for water applications

• Nanosensors for detection of contaminants and pathogens

Nanotechnology for water applications

• Nanoporous material for water purification

Nanotechnology for water applications

• Oxide nanomaterials for pollution degradation

• Magnetic nanoparticles for water treatment and remediation

Nanotechnology for water applications