ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY

UNIT-II

NANO MATERIALS

Basics: Distinction between molecules, nanomaterials and bulk materials; Size-dependent properties
(optical, electrical, mechanical and magnetic); Types of nanomaterials: Definition, properties and uses
of- nanocluster, nanorod, nanowire and nanotube. Preparation of nanomaterials: sol-gel, solvothermal,
laser ablation, chemical vapour deposition, electrochemical deposition and electrospinning. Applications
of nanomaterials.

1. Distinguish between molecules, nanomaterials and bulk material? (8 Marks) (April/May 2016, 2018,
2019) (Nov/Dec2017)
DISTINCTION BETWEEN NANOPARTICLES, MOLECULES AND BULK MATERIALS
 The size of Nano particles are less than 100 nm in diameter, molecules are in the range of
picometers, but bulk materials are larger in micronsize.
 Molecule is a collection of atoms, nanoparticles are collection of few molecules that is less than
100 nm but bulk materials contains thousands ofmolecules.
 Hardness of nanomaterials is 5 times more than the bulkmaterials.
 Surface area of nanoparticles is more than the bulkmaterials.
 Strength of nanomaterials is 3 - 10 times higher than the bulkmaterials.
 Nanoparticles possesses size dependent properties, but bulk materials possess constant physical
properties.
 Corrosion resistance is more than the bulk materials, hence localized corrosion in Nano materials
isstopped.
 Behavior of bulk materials can be changed, but cannot enter inside the Nano particles.
 Nanoparticles,due to its size,possess unexpected optical properties. Examples:
1. Gold nanoparticles appear deep red to black colour in solution compared to yellow
colour with Gold.
2. ZnO nanoparticles possess superior UV blocking property compared to bulk material.
3. Absorption of solar radiation in photovoltaic cell containing nanoparticles are higher than the
film (bulk material).
 Nanoparticles possesses lower melting point than the bulk materials. Example:
Gold nanoparticles melt at lower temperature (3000C) for 2.5nm, but Gold slab 74 melts
at10640C.
 Sintering of nanoparticles takes place at lower temperature and in short time than the bulk
materials.
 Suspension of nanoparticles is possible, because nanoparticles possess high surface area, but bulk
materials cannot.
 The wear resistance of nanoparticles are 170 times higher than the bulk materials.
 Electrical properties, resistivity of nanoparticles are increased by 3times.
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Difference between bulk and nanomaterials

Size-dependent properties nanoparticles

1. Explain size dependent properties of Nano materials? (8 Marks)(Nov/Dec 2016), (April/May

2018) (Nov/Dec2018)
2. Write four types of properties of nanomaterials (May/June 2016)
Nearly all the properties as shown in following figure like hardness, strength, ductility, melting point
and density, change for Nanomaterials. These behaviors vary so significantly by a mere reduction in grain
size.
STDH CDE

Figure Shows how different properties change in the Nano-materials

 Nanomaterials are composed of grains and grain boundaries. Nanometer sized grains contains only
a few thousands of atoms within each grain.
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  Many atoms reside at the grain boundaries.
 As the grain size decreases, there is a significant increase in the volume fraction of grain
boundaries or interfaces.

 The properties of the materials are bound to be governed to a large extent by defect configurations.
Hence the mechanical and chemical properties of nanomaterials are significantly altered due to
defect dynamics.
 The elastic property of nanomaterials is different from that of bulk alloys due to the presence of
increased fraction of defects
1. Nano crystalline ceramics are tougher and stronger than those with coarse grains.
2. Nano-sized metals exhibit significant decrease in toughness and yield strength increase

Properties of Nano-materials
Optical properties:
 Reduction of material dimensions has pronounced effects on the optical properties. Optical
properties of Nanomaterials are different from bulk forms.
 The change in optical properties is caused by two factors,
i) The quantum confinement of electrons within the Nanoparticles increases the energy level
spacing.
Example: The optical absorption peak of a semiconductor Nanoparticles shifts to a short
wavelength due to an increased band gap.
ii) Surface plasma resonance, which is due to smaller size of Nanoparticles than the wavelength of
incident radiation.
Example: The colour of metallic nanoparticles may change with their sizes due to surface plasma
resonance.
Magnetic properties:
Magnetic properties of Nano materials are different from that of bulk materials.
Ferro-magnetic behaviour of bulk materials disappear, when the particle size is reduced and
transfers to super-paramagnetic. This is due to the huge surface area.
Mechanical properties:
 The Nano-materials have less defects compared to bulk materials, which increases the mechanical
strength.
 Mechanical properties of polymeric materials can be increased by the addition of Nano-fillers.
 As Nano-materials are stronger, harder and more wear resistant and corrosion resistant, they are
used in sparkplugs.
 Nano-crystalline carbides are much stronger, harder and wear resistant and are used in microdrills.
Electrical properties:
 Electrical conductivity decreases with a reduced dimension due to increased surface scattering.
However it can be increased, due to better ordering in micro-structure. Polymericfibers

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  Nano-crystalline materials are used as very good separator plates in batteries, because they can
hold more energy than the bulk materials. Nickel-metal hydride batteries made of nanocrystalline
nickel and metal hydride, require far less frequent recharging and last muchlonger.

Types of Nanomaterials
1. What are nanomaterials?
2. Define nanowires? (Nov/Dec 2016)(April/May 2019) (2Marks)
3. Define Nano-technology?
4. What is meant by Nano-chemistry? (April/May 2018) (2Marks)
5. Write short notes on nanoclusters and nano wires? (May/June 2016)(Nov/Dec 2017) (2Marks)
6. What are Nano rods? (May/June 2016) (2Marks)
7. Define magicnumber?
8. Define laser ablation? (Nov/Dec2019)
9. Differentiate the terms nanorods and nanowires? (April/May 2018) (2Marks)
10. Define Nanotubes? Giveexample
11. Define carbon Nano tubes and mention theirtypes?
12. Give two difference between bulk and nanomaterials?
13. Write uses of nanoclusters?
14. Write an explanatory note on nanoclusters, nanorods and CNTs? (April/May 2019) (8Marks)
Defintion of Nanomaterials
Nano materials are the materials having components with size less than 100nm at least in one
[Link]: Nanotubes, Nanorods etc.
Defintion of Nanotechnology
DFCA
Nano-technology is the design, fabrication, characterization and applications of materials at Nano-
level (1-100nm) and converting them into useful devices.
Definition of Nanochemistry
Nano-chemistry is the branch of Nano-science, which deals with the chemical applications of
nanomaterials. It also includes the study of synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials.
CLASSIFICATION OF NANOMATERIALS
The classification of nanomaterials is based on the number of dimensions. According to Siegel,
nanostructured materials are classified as: mm

(i)Zero- dimensional (0D)

(ii) One-dimensional (1D)

(iii)Two-dimensional (2D)

(iv)Three-dimensional (2D)

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 Classification of nanomaterials.

For the better understanding, nanomaterials are again organized into four types as follows. Some types
of nanomaterials are shown in Fig. 2.
(i) Carbon based materials
(ii) Metal based materials
(iii) Dendrimers
(iv) Composites

(i) Carbon based materials: These are composed of carbon, taking the form of hollow spheres, ellipsoids or
tubes. The spherical and ellipsoidal forms are referred as fullerenes, while cylindrical forms are called
nanotubes. m in mm
(ii) Metal based materials: These include quantum dots, nanogold, nanosilver and metal oxides like TiO2.
A quantum dot is a closely packed semiconductor crystal comprised of hundreds or thousands of atoms,
mmis on the order of a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers.
whose size
(iii) Dendrimers: Dendrimers are repetitively branched molecules. The name comes from the Greek word
„dendron‟ (tree). These nanomaterials are nanosized polymers built from branched units. The surface of a
dendrimer has numerous chain ends, which can perform specific chemical functions. Dendrimers are used in
molecular recognition, nanosensing, light harvesting, and opto-electrochemical devices. They may be useful
for drug delivery.
(iv) Composites: Composites are combination of nanoparticles with other nanoparticles or with larger,
bulk-type materials. Nanoparticles like nanosized clays are added to products (auto parts, packaging
materials, etc.) to enhance mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties.

Types of Nanomaterials:
Nanowires
 Nanowire is one dimensional cylindrical solid material having an aspect ratio i.e., length to width
ratio greater than 20.
 Diameter of the nanowire ranges from 10-100 nm. Nanowires are also referred to as “quantum
wires”. mm
 Examples: Different types of nanowires
 Metallic nanowires: Au, Ni, Pt; Nanowires of semiconductors: InP, Si, GaN; Nanowires of
insulators: SiO2, TiO2; Molecular nanowires: DNA

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Synthesis of Nanowires:
Template-assisted synthesis: Template assisted synthesis of nanowires is simple way to fabricate

Tun
nanostructures. These templates contain very small cylindrical pores or voids within the host material and
the empty spaces are filled with the chosen material to form nanowires. Examples for templates: Alumina,
Nano-channel glass, mica films.
VLS method: It involves the absorption of the source material from the gas phase into a liquid droplet of
mmmm
catalyst. Upon super saturation of the liquid alloy, a nucleation event generates a solid precipitate of the
source material. This seed serves as a preferred site for further deposition of material at the interface of the
liquid droplet, promoting the elongation of the seed into a nano d wire.
Properties of Nano-wires:
 Nano wires are one dimensional material.
 Conductivity of a nanowire is less than that of the corresponding bulk materials.
 It exhibits distinct optical, chemical, thermal and electrical properties.
 Silicon Nano wires show a strong photo luminescence characteristics.
mm
Application of Nano-wires:
 Preparation of active electronic components such as p-n junction and logic gates.
 Used to enhance the mechanical properties of composites.
 Semiconductor nano wire crossings are expected to play a important role in future of digital
computing.
 Nano wires find rapplications in high-density data storage either as magnetic read heads or as
patterned storage media.
N  Nanowires replace conventional copper wires used in computers, televisions.
N  It is also used to link tiny components into very small circuits.

Nano-rods
Nano-rod is one dimensional cylindrical solid material having an aspect ratio i.e., length to width
ratio less than [Link]: Zinc oxide, cadmium sulphide, Gallium nitride Nano rods
Synthesis: Nano-rods are produced by direct chemical synthesis. A combination of ligands acts as shape
control agents and bond to different facets of the Nano-rods with different strength.
This allows different Nano rods to grow at different rates producing an elongated object. Many of the
above Nano rods are not manufactured due to lack of commercial demand.

Properties of Nano-rods:
 Nano-rods are three-dimensional materials.
 It also exhibits optical and electrical properties.
Applications:
 It find application in display technologies.
 It also used in the manufacturing of micro mechanical switches.
 Nano rods are used in an applied electric field, micro electromechanical systems.
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  Nano rods along with noble metal nanoparticles function as the agnostic agents.
 They are used in energy harvesting and light emitting devices.
 Nano rods have used as cancer therapeutics.

Nano-Cluster
Nanoclusters are fine aggregates of atoms or molecules. The size of which ranges from 0.1 to 10
nm. Of all the Nano materials, nanoclusters are the smallest sized Nano materials because of their close
packing arrangement of atoms.
Examples: CdS, ZnO, etc.,
All the atoms, in nanocluster, are bound by forces like metallic, covalent, ionic, hydrogen bond or
Vander Waals force in character. Clusters of certain critical size (clusters with a certain number of atoms
in the group) are more stable than others. Nanoclusters consisting of up to a couple of hundred atoms, but
larger aggregates containing 103 or more atoms are called nanoparticles.
Magic number: Magic number is the number of atoms present in the clusters of critical sizes with higher
stability.
Different types of clusters can be distinguished by the nature of the force between the atoms. Clusters
containing transition metal atoms have unique chemical, electronic and magnetic properties, which vary
with the number of constituent atoms, the type of element and the charge on the cluster.
Production of Nano-clusters: Nano clusters can be produced from atomic or molecular constituents or from
mmmmeither by bottom up or top down process as shown in the figure.,
the bulk materials

Atomic clusters or molecular clusters are formed by nucleation of atoms or molecules respectively.
Properties of nanoclusters:
 The reactivity of nanoclusters are decreased due to their decrease in size.
 The melting point of nanoclusters are lower than the bulk materials due to high surface to
volumeratio.
 The electronic structure of the nanocluster is more confined than the bulk materials.
Applications of nanoclusters:
 Nanoclusters are used as catalyst in many reactions.
 It is used in Nano based chemical sensors.
 It is also used as a light emitting diode in quantum computers

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 Nanotubes
Nanotubes are tube like structures with diameter of 1- 100 nm and a length of few nm to microns.
Nanotubes consists of tiny cylinders of carbon and other materials like boron nitride. Nanotubes may be
organic (or)inorganic.
Examples:
1. Carbonnanotube
2. Siliconnanotube
3. DNAnanotube
Properties of nanotubes
 Extraordinary electrical conductivity, heat conductivity, and mechanical properties.
 They are probably the best electron field-emitter known, largely due to their high length-todiameter
ratios
 As pure carbon polymers, they can be manipulated using the well-known and the tremendously rich
chemistry of that element.
Uses of nanotubes
 Field Emitters/Emission
 Conductive or reinforced plastics
 Molecular electronics: CNT based non volatile RAM
 CNT based transistors
 Energy Storage
 CNT based fibers and fabrics
 CNT based ceramics
 Biomedical applications etc

Preparation of nanomaterials

[Link] the preparation of Nano materials by Sol-gel process and Electro spinning methods.
[Link] is the basic principle involved in solvothermal synthesis of nanoparticles?
3. Explain the Nanoparticles synthesis by CVD method with diagram? (April/May 2019) (8Marks)
[Link] out the advantages of electrodeposition method?
[Link] the Nanoparticles synthesis by laser ablation method? (May/June 2016)(8 Marks)
[Link] Nano particles are used in Water treatment?
[Link] is Chemical vapour deposition? Explain synthesis of CVD using thermal and photolaser
methods? (May/June 2016)(8 Marks)
8. Discuss the solvothermal and electro deposition method of synthesizing nanomaterials?
(April/May 2018) (8Marks)
Synthesis of nano materials
Nanomaterials are synthesized by two ways

1. Top – down approach: The “top-down” approach, which involves the breaking down of
large pieces of material to generate the required nanostructures from them.
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 2. Bottom up approach: The “bottom-up” approach, which implies assembling
single atoms and molecules into larger nanostructures.

Synthesis of nanoparticles using Sol-gel process

PSC

GDAC

Figure shows the step by step synthesis process of sol-gel method

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 CS D
The Sol-gel process is a wet chemical technique also known as chemical solution deposition. It is
mmmm solid materials from small molecules. This method is used
the method for producing mmmm
for the fabrication of
metal oxides. It converts monomers into a colloidal solution (sol), that acts as a precursor. This colloidal
solution gradually evolves towards the formation of a gel-like system.

Steps involved as follows,

 Hydrolysis and poly condensation
 Gelation
 Aging
 Drying
 Densification
 Crystallization
The volume fraction of particles may be slow that a significant amount of fluid needs to be removed
for the gel like properties to be recognized.

1. Sedimentation
The solution is allowed to keep for some time for sedimentation to occur and then pour off the remaining
liquid.
2. Centrifugation
Centrifugation can also be used to accelerate the process of phase separation
Drying and densification
Removal of remaining liquid (solvent) is done by drying process which accompanied by shrinkage and
densification.
Firing Or Crystallization
A thermal treatment is necessary to enhance mechanical properties and structural stability via sintering,
densification.

Solvothermal Process
Basic principle of Solvothermal method
Solvothermal synthesis involves the use of solvent under high temperature (between 100 to 1000
degree Celsius) and moderate to high pressure (1 atm to 10000 atm) that facilitate the interaction of
precursors during synthesis.

Solvothermal synthesis of nanoparticles

Solvothermal synthesis involves the use of solvent under high temperature between 100 oC to
1000oC and moderate to high pressure 1 atm to 10,000 atm that facilitate the interaction of precursors
during synthesis.

Method:
A solvent like ethanol, methanol, 2-propanol is mixed with certain metal precursors and the
mm mm mm
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 solution mixture is placed in an autoclave kept at relatively high temperature and pressure in an oven to
carry out the crystal growth. The pressure generated in the vessel, due to the solvent vapour, elevates the
boiling point of the solvent.

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Example: Solvothermal synthesis of zinc oxide.

Solvothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods

Zinc acetate dihydrate is dissolved in 2-propanol at 50oC. Subsequently, the solution is cooled to 0oC and
NaOH is added to precipitate ZnO. The solution is then heated to 65oC to allow ZnO growth for some
period. Then a capping agent (1-dodecanethiol) is injected into the suspension to arrest the growth. The rod
shaped ZnO Nano-crystal is obtained.

Uses:
Many geometries including thin film, bulk powder and single crystals can be prepared. Thermodynamically
stable novel materials can also be prepared easily.

calVapomDe
Chemical Vapour deposition (CVD) position
CVD is a chemical vapour deposition. It is a process of chemically reacting a volatile compound of
a material with other gases, to produce a non-volatile solid that deposits automatically on a suitably placed
substrate. mmmm
Synthesis of nanoparticles using CVD
This process involves conversion of gaseous molecules into solid nanomaterials in the form of
tubes, wires or thin films. First the solid materials are converted into gaseous molecules and then deposited
in
as nanomaterials. our
Example: CNT preparation
Working: Imc
The CVD reactor consists of a higher temperature vacuum furnace maintained at inert atmosphere.
This solid substrate containing catalyst like nickel, cobalt, iron supported on a substrate material like, silica,
quartz is kept inside the furnace. The hydrocarbons such as ethylene, acetylene and nitrogen cylinders are
connected to the furnace. Carbon atoms, produced by the decomposition at 1000oC, condense on the cooler
surface of the catalyst. As this process is continuous, CNT is produced continuously.

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Various steps involved in synthesis of CVD:
The various steps involved in synthesis of CVD are summarized as follows,
 Transport of gaseous reactants to the surface.
 Adsorption of gaseous reactant on the surface.
 Catalyzed reaction occurs on the surface.
 A product diffuses to the growth sites.
 Nucleation and growth occur on the growth site.
 Desorption of reaction products away from the surface.

CVD reactor: The CVD reactors are of generally two types,

1. Hot wall CVD 2. Cold-wall CVD

Hot-wall CVD: Hot-wall CVD reactors are usually tubular in form, and heating is accomplished by
surrounding the reactor with resistance elements.
Cold-wall CVD: Cold-wall CVD reactors substrate are directly heated inductively by graphite
susceptors while chamber walls are air (or) water-cooled.

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 Electro-deposition

Electro-deposition is an electrochemical method in which ions from the solution are deposited at the
surface of cathode. Template assisted electro deposition is an important technique for synthesizing metallic
Nano-materials with controlled shape and size. Arrays of Nano-structured materials with specific
arrangements can be prepared by this method, using an active template as a cathode.

Synthesis of nanoparticles using Electro-deposition

The cell consists of a reference electrode, specially designed cathode and anode. All these electrodes are
connected with the battery through a voltmeter and dipped in an electrolytic solution of a soluble metal as
shown in figure. When the current is passed through the electrodes of template the metal ions from the
solution enter into the pores and get reduced at the cathode, resulting in the growth of nanowire inside the
pores of the template.

Example: Electro deposition of gold on silver

Nanostructure gold can be prepared by the electro deposition technique using gold sheets as an
anode and silver plate as a cathode. An array of alumina template is kept over the cathode as shown in the
figure and AuCl3 is used as an electrolyte.
When the current of required strength is applied through the electrodes, an Au+ ion diffuse into the pores
of alumina template and gets reduced at the cathode resulting in the growth of nanowires (or) Nano rods
inside the pores of the alumina template.
Advantages of electro deposition:
1. This method is relatively cheap and fast.
2. Complex shaped objects can be coated.
3. The film or wire obtained is uniform.
4. Metal nanowires including Ni, Co, Cu and Au can be fabricated by this method.

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 Laser ablation
In laser ablation technique, high power laser pulse is used to evaporate the matter from the target.
The stoichiometry of the material is protected in the interaction.
The total mass ablated from the target per laser pulse is referred as the ablation rate.
This method involves vaporization of target material containing small amount of catalyst (nickel or
cobalt) by passing an intense pulsed laser beam at higher temperature to about 1200 oC in a quartz tube
reactor. When a beam of laser is allowed to irradiate the target, a supersonic jet of particles is evaporated
from the target surface. Simultaneously, an inert gas such as argon, helium is allowed into the reactor to
sweep the evaporated particles from the furnace zone to the colder collector. The ablated species condense
on the substrate placed opposite to the target.

Uses:
1. Nanotubes having a diameter of 10 to 20 nm and 100 um can be produced by this method.
2. Ceramic particles and coating can be produced.
3. Other materials like silicon, carbon can also be converted into nanoparticles by this method.

Advantages of laser ablation:

1. It is very easy to operate.
2. The amount of heat required is less.
3. It is eco-friendly method because no solvent is used.
4. The product, obtained by this method, is stable.
5. This process is economical.

Electrospinning
 This method is cheap and fast.
 Even complex shaped objects can also be coated.
 Thin film or wire obtained is uniform.
 Metal nano wire including Ni, Co, Cu and Au can be fabricated by this method.

Electrospinning is the method of producing ultrafine fiber by charging and ejecting a polymer solution
through a spinneret under a high-voltage electric field and to solidify or coagulate in to form a filament.
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Required components,
 High voltage power supply.
 A polymer reservoir that can maintain a constant flow rate of solution.
 A conductive needle, as polymer source, connected to the high voltage power supply.
 A conductive collector (plate, drumet)

Process:
A polymer is dissolved in a suitable solvent and is filled in the capillary reservoir. When
sufficiently high voltage is applied to create an electric field between the needle tip and collector, a charge
accumulates at the liquid surface. When the electrostatic repulsion is higher than the surface tension the
liquid meniscus is deformed into conically shaped structure known as a Taylor cone.
Once Taylor cone is formed, the charged liquid jet is ejected towards the collector. Depending
upon the viscosity of the solution, solid fiber will be formed as the solvent evaporates.
Applications:
1. Electro spinning is used in diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
2. Electro spun fibers are used in energy storage devices such as solar cell, fuel cell, super capacitor.
3. Used in chemical sensors, gas sensors etc.
4. In biomedical, it is used in drug delivery, artificial blood vessel and wound dressing.

APPLICATIONS OF NANOMATERIALS

1. Write any four applications of nanomaterials? (May/June 2016)(2Marks)

2. Explain the applications of nanoparticles (April/May 2017) (Nov/Dec 2019)(8 Marks)
3. Write two important applications of gold nanoparticles in medicine? (Nov/Dec 2016) (2marks)
4. Discuss the applications of nanomaterials in biology and medicine? (Nov/Dec 2016)
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APPLICATIONS OF NANOMATERIALS

Nano-technology finds significant impact on all most all the industries and all areas of society. Since
Nano-materials possess unique beneficial chemical, physical and mechanical properties, they can be used
for a wide variety of applications
Medicinal Field:
Nano drugs:
Nanomaterials are used as Nano drugs for the cancer and TB therapy,
Laboratories on a chip:
Nanotechnology is used in the production of laboratories on a chip.
Nano-medibots:
Nanoparticles function as Nano-medibots that release anti-cancer drug and treat cancer.
Gold-coated nano shells:
It converts light into heat, enabling the destruction of tumors.
Gold nanoparticles as sensors:
Gold nanoparticles undergo colour change during the transition of Nano particles.
Protein analysis:
Protein analysis can also be done using nanomaterials.
Gold Nano shells for blood immunoassay:
Gold Nano shells are used for blood immuno assay.
Gold Nano shells in imaging:
Optical properties of the gold Nano shells are utilized for both imaging and therapy.
Targeted drug delivery using gold Nanoparticles:
It involves slow and selective release of drugs to the targeted organs.
Repairing work:
Nano technology is used to partially repair neurological damage.
Industries:
As Catalyst:
It depends on the surface area of the material. As Nano-particles have an appreciable fraction of
their atom at the surface, its catalytic activity is good.
Example: Bulk gold is chemically inert, whereas gold Nano-particles have excellent catalytic property.
onIn water purification: o
Nano-filtration makes use of Nano-porous membranes having pores smaller than 10 nm. Dissolved
solids and colour producing organic compounds can be filtered very easily from water. Magnetic Nano-
particles are effective in removing heavy metal contamination from waste water.
In fabric industry:
The production of smart-clothing is possible by putting a Nano-coating on the fabric.
(i) Embedding of Nano-particles on fabric makes them stain repellent.
(ii) Socks with embedded silver Nano-particles fill all the bacteria and makes it odour free.

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 In Automobiles:
Incorporation of small amount of Nano-particles in car bumpers can make them stronger than
steel.
Specially designed Nano-particles are used as fuel additive to lower consumption in
vehicles.
In food industry:
The inclusion of Nano-particles in food contact materials can be used to generate novel type of packing
materials and containers.
In energy sector:
In solar power, Nano-technology reduces the cost of photovoltaic cells by 10 to 100 times.

Electronics:
 Quantum wires are found to have high electrical conductivity.
 The integrated memory circuits have been found to be effective devices.
 A transistor, called NOMFET, (Nano particle organic memory field effect transistor) is created by
combining gold Nano particles with organic molecules.
 Nano wires are used to build transistors without p – n junctions.
 Nano radios are the other important devices, using carbon nanotubes.
 MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semi-conductor Field Effect Transistor), performs both as switches and as
amplifiers.

Bio-materials (Biology):
 Nano materials are used as bone cement and bone plates in hospitals. It is also used as a material
for joint replacements.
 Nano technology is being used to develop miniature video camera attached to a blind person‟s
glasses. Nano materials are also used in the manufacture of some components like heart valves and
contact lenses.
 Nano materials are also used in dental implants and breast implants.
 CNTs are used as light weight shielding materials for protecting electronic equipment against
electromagnetic radiation.
Agriculture
 Nanomaterials prepared by eco-friendly and green method withplant extracts could increase
agriculture potential for improving fertilization process, plant growth regulators.
 Nanosensors are used in crop protection for the identification of diseases and residues of
agrochemicals.
 Nanodevises are used for the genetic engineering of plants.
 Nanomaterials are used in plant disease diagnostics.
 It is also used in post harvest management.

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