What I intend doing is to share with you what nanotechnology is and its potential in the quest for a clean and balanced natural environment, sustainably.
ORIGIN AND SPHERE
Nano the first part of the term
nanotechnology derives from a Greek word meaning midget. On the nanoscale one nanometer
is a billionth part of a meter. The range for a nanoscale is 1 to 100 nanometer
(nm). In the imperial measurement system a little over 3 feet is equivalent to
a meter; and a nanometer is one billionth part of that. Nanotechnology
therefore deals with matter that size- one billionth of a meter, two billionth
of a meter, three billionth of a meter etc. Nanotechnology deals with matter at
the atomic level or molecular level. Atoms are building blocks of elements which
are the basic substances of matter. The entire observable universe, for that
matter the natural environment, is made of matter. Atoms comprise of a nucleus
and electrons. The electron encircles the nucleus of the atom. The nucleus of
an atom is composed of protons and neutrons. The protons and neutrons
themselves are made up of quarks. From matter one comes to element, from
element one comes to atoms, then to electrons which surrounds protons and
neutrons, then to the protons and neutrons themselves, and then the quarks. Nanotechnology
deals with matter at the atomic level or deals with particles matter. Particles
within the range of one to hundred nanometers are nanoparticles.
DIMENSION
I have already indicated that one
meter is more than 3 feet. One thousandth of a meter is 1 millimeter. One thousandth
of a millimeter is 1 micron. A micron is therefore a millionth of a meter- this
is the scale at which computers are built. If current computers are built at
the micron level, computers built at the nanoscale level should be far smaller.
Nanometer (nm) is the unit measurement on the nanoscale. Remember, a nanometer
is one billionth of a meter. One nanometer is at least 3 atoms wide. It is ̴40,000 times smaller than the width of an
average human hair. 1 inch is equal to 25, 400, 000 nanometers.
DNA width is 2 nanometer.
Proteins are in the range of 5
nanometer to 50 nanometer.
Viruses are in the range of 75
nanometers to 100 nanometers.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The following is a technical
definition of nanotechnology: “Nanotechnology is the understanding and control
of matter at dimensions roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena
enables novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and
technology, nanoscale involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter
at this scale”.
Nanotechnology results in small
products with superior capacities and greater efficiency and effectiveness. For
example a khaki laced with nanotechnology prevents the khaki from being
stained. A detergent cannot do that.
SOME GENERAL NANOTECH APPLICATIONS
Trousers and socks are fused with
nanotechnology so that they last longer, and also keep users cool in summer.
Khaki trousers are infused with
nanotechnology to make it stainless- that saves money for the laundry or less
detergent to buy.
Bandages are laced with
nanotechnology to heal wounds faster.
Attempts are being made to use
nanotechnology to get cleaner exhaust fumes.
In 2001 Toyota started using
nanomaterials in the making of car bumper which made it 60% lighter, and two
times more resistant to denting and scratching- money for repairs to be saved.
ENVIRONMENT
Plastics
Researchers have shown thatsilver nanoclusters when used as catalyst in the production of propylene oxide
reduces pollution associated with the process. Propylene oxide is used in the
production of plastics, paints etc.
Solar Energy
Researchers have shown that siliconnanowires (nanotechnology) planted in polymer help reduce the cost of solar cells
for generating solar energy. The
reduction in the cost of solar energy input passes on to the cost of the solar
energy itself. This means solar energy will become available and accessible to
more people. The implication is more people will switch from fossil fuel use to
clean energy, and for that matter a cleaner environment.
Windmill
Nanotechnology is being used to
generate greater electricity from windmills. The blades of the windmill are fitted
with nanotubes. The blades so produced are lighter and stronger and therefore
generate increased electricity.
Groundwater
Research has shown that iron
nanoparticles can clean up organic chemical pollutants in groundwater. The iron
nanoparticles spread through the water to get rid of the pollutants in a cost
effective way.
SUMMARY
- Nanotechnology is involves dealing with matter at nanoscale level.
- Nanoscale is a range of measurement between one to hundred nanometers for nanomaterials.
- One nanometer is one billionth of a meter.
- Nanotechnology reduces the size of devices and comes with more efficiency and effectiveness.
- Nanotechnology is being applied in products we use in our everyday lives- stain repellent khaki.
- Nanotechnology adds to the cleaning of the natural environment more efficiently and effectively, and in so far as excess pollutants are removed from the natural environment and a chemical balance is achieved, a clean and balanced environment should be the end result.
PARTING SHOT
Many look at the natural environment
from specific angles. This blog attempts to look at the natural environment
holistically. Looking at the natural environment from specific angles should
lead to a holistic convergence. Nanotechnology spans a vast array of
disciplines which I believe they ought to be applied in an interconnected way, and
interdependently to clinch a network of convergence to drive a universal effort
for a clean and balanced natural environment, sustainably.
Reference;
http://www.understandingnano.com/environmental-nanotechnology.html
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