In this blog post, we’ll explore how invisible nanotechnology can revolutionize our daily lives while also posing a threat to the environment and our health.
There’s a lot of interest in nanotechnology these days. It may not seem like a big deal, but the mere mention of the word “nano” often increases the price of a product. For example, a washing machine with a “silver nano sanitizing technology” feature becomes much more expensive than a regular washing machine. So, what is nanotechnology?
First of all, the word nano comes from the Greek word “nanos”, which means “dwarf”. A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter, about one hundred thousandth the thickness of a human hair, and roughly the size of three to four atoms. There are many definitions of nanotechnology, but they can be summarized in three main ways. First, it is the art of making microscopic materials or machines composed of nanoscale materials; second, it is the art of improving the performance of equipment by exploiting new physical properties that only appear in the nanoscale domain; and third, it is the art of measuring and predicting natural phenomena in the microscopic domain that cannot be observed with the naked eye.
As you can see, nanotechnology encompasses a vast array of areas. The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) identifies three key conditions for nanotechnology. First, research and technology development must occur at the atomic and molecular levels, within the range of about 1 to 100 nanometers; second, devices or systems must be created with novel properties and functions that emerge from this microscopic size; and third, they must be manipulated and controlled at the atomic level.
American physicist Richard Feynman was the first to recognize the potential of nanotechnology. He emphasized the possibility of manipulation at the atomic level when he said, “You could put the entire Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a nail.” With the development of quantum mechanics and the development of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at IBM in 1981, which realized atomic-scale resolution, nanotechnology was on its way. The STM made it possible to observe nanoscale regions that were not visible with conventional optical microscopes, and in 1986, AT&T Bell Labs successfully used the STM to isolate and modify atoms. Subsequent developments such as the scanning probe microscope (SPM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) have opened up access to the nano world.
What distinguishes nanotechnology from other technologies are the unique properties that only appear at the nanoscale. First, surface properties become the primary determinant of a material’s properties. As you shrink to the nano-scale, the surface area to volume ratio increases exponentially, which is important for a variety of applications, including catalysis, drug delivery, and energy storage. Second, their electronic, magnetic, and optical properties are controlled by quantum phenomena. Third, microscopic physical phenomena such as Brownian motion play a dominant role, which is closely related to nanogears, tunneling effects, and single-electron phenomena.
Thanks to these characteristics, nanomaterials have a wide range of physical properties. For example, in optical properties, the color changes with the size of the nanoparticles. In the case of metals, they are golden at macro-sizes, but when they get smaller than 10 nanometers, they appear red. In terms of chemical properties, the larger surface area increases reactivity, such as sterilization, which has commercial applications. In terms of mechanical properties, a sharp increase in strength has been reported at certain grain sizes, and in terms of electromagnetic properties, magnetic properties are maximized at certain sizes.
Nanotechnology is a creative technology with endless possibilities. Its applications cover almost every industry, including telecommunications, aerospace, and medicine. In the near future, we can expect to see breakthroughs in high-capacity information storage, ultra-strong materials, nanocatalysts, precise drug delivery systems, genetic manipulation, ultra-fine pollutant removal devices, and more. Nanotechnology also has applications in everyday life. For example, self-decontaminating surfaces, air purification systems, and personalized food production systems are becoming a reality.
High-resolution screens, immersive 3D TVs, and lifelike art experiences could also be powered by nanotechnology. But behind this bright future are the risks of nanotechnology. There are concerns that ultra-fine nanomaterials can accumulate in the human body or pollute the environment, and research is ongoing.
A prime example is the controversial harmfulness of carbon nanotubes. Studies have shown that they can cause long-term health damage if they accumulate in the body. There are also reports that fullerene (C60) can produce free radicals, and that titanium dioxide, diesel particles, etc. become more toxic as they shrink to the nanoscale. There have also been reports of nanoparticles contaminating electronics and impairing productivity, and government agencies have begun to evaluate the environmental impact of nanomaterials.
This has led to the emergence of a new field of study called nanotoxicology. It aims to assess the toxicity of nanomaterials and the extent of their impact. Many variables affect toxicity, including chemical composition, functional groups, surface structure, solubility, and solubility, not just particle size, which requires an individualized and precise assessment of each nanomaterial.
In conclusion, nanotechnology has the potential to dramatically change human life, but it must be accompanied by thorough research and preparation for its risks. A balanced view and a scientific approach are essential to ensure that technological advances are beneficial to humans and the environment.
