Nanomaterials are materials with structural features at the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers). At this scale, materials exhibit unique properties, such as enhanced strength, reactivity, or conductivity, due to quantum effects and an increased surface area-to-volume ratio.
Types of Nanomaterials:
- Zero-Dimensional (0D):
- Examples: Nanoparticles, quantum dots.
- All dimensions are confined to the nanoscale.
- One-Dimensional (1D):
- Examples: Nanotubes, nanorods, nanowires.
- One dimension (length) extends beyond the nanoscale.
- Two-Dimensional (2D):
- Examples: Graphene, nanosheets, nanofilms.
- Two dimensions extend, with thickness in the nanoscale.
- Three-Dimensional (3D):
- Examples: Nanocomposites, porous nanostructures.
- Nanostructures arranged in all three dimensions.
- Chemical Methods:
- Sol-Gel Process: Produces nanoparticles from a solution.
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Deposits thin films on surfaces.
- Physical Methods:
- Ball Milling: Breaks bulk materials into nanoparticles.
- Laser Ablation: Uses high-energy lasers to create nanoparticles.
- Biological Methods:
- Uses microorganisms or plant extracts to synthesize nanoparticles (eco-friendly).
- Mechanical: Nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes have exceptional strength.
- Optical: Quantum dots show size-dependent color emission.
- Electrical: Nanomaterials can act as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators.
- Thermal: Enhanced heat resistance or conductivity.
- Medicine: Drug delivery, cancer therapy using gold nanoparticles.
- Electronics: High-performance transistors, flexible displays.
- Energy: Efficient solar cells, battery electrodes.
- Environment: Water purification, air filtration.