NANOTECHNOLOGY

    Risø National Laboratory • DTU                Frederiksborgvej 399                DK-4000 Roskilde                  maj.munch.andersen@risoe.dk

> What is Nanotechnology?

> What are the current commercial applications of nanotechnology?

> What is the expected development of nanotechnologies?

> What kinds of nanomaterials are currently available?

> What is the potential role of nanotechnologies in the construction sector?

> Are nanotechnologies “green” or “environmentally friendly”?

> Is there any potential risk to health or environment in the use of nanotechnologies?

> How can I learn more?

Nanotech is about studying and manipulating matter at atomic levels  >>

The construction sector is looking for new sustainable technical solutions  >>

Green solutions within innovation will create a sustainable society  >>

In an international context, several types of nanomaterials are being produced. The most common types are:

 

◊ Carbon-based materials: These nanomaterials are composed mostly of carbon, commonly taking the form of hollow spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes. Spherical and ellipsoidal carbon nanomaterials are referred to as fullerenes, while cylindrical ones are called nanotubes. These particles have many potential applications, including improved films and coatings, stronger and lighter materials, and applications in electronics.

 

◊ Metal-based materials: These nanomaterials include quantum dots, nanogold, nanosilver and metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide. A quantum dot is a closely packed semiconductor

crystal comprised of hundreds or thousands of atoms, and its size range from a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers. Changing the size of quantum dots changes their optical properties.

 

◊ Dendrimers: These nanomaterials are nanosized polymers built from branched units. The surface of a dendrimer has numerous chain ends, which can be tailored to perform specific chemical functions. This property could also be useful for catalysis. In addition, because three-dimensional dendrimers contain interior cavities into which other molecules could be placed, they may be useful for drug delivery.

 

◊  Composites: combine nanoparticles with other nanoparticles or with larger, bulk-type materials.

Nanoparticles, such as nanosized clays, are already being added to products ranging from auto parts to packaging materials, to enhance their mechanical, thermal, barrier, and flame-retardant properties.

 

The unique properties of these various types of nanomaterials give them novel electrical, catalytic, magnetic, mechanical, thermal, or imaging features that are highly desirable for applications in commercial, medical, military, and environmental sectors. These materials may also find their way into more complex nanostructures and systems. When new or potential uses for materials with these extraordinary properties are identified, the number of new nano-related products and their possible applications grows.