If the 20th century is considered a revolution in information technology, then the 21st century will belong to nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology is creating so many wonders that it is regarded as a revolution in the 21st century.
With nanotechnology, it is possible to “pack” all the information of 27 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica into a device the size of a human hair. It can also create robots that are invisible to the naked eye. Moreover, there are countless other strange things that humanity can exploit thanks to nanotechnology.
Below are some fields that are moving towards strong applications of nanotechnology.
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A scientist displaying a nano-based electronic chip sample |
Electronics and Mechanics: Nano Computers and Bulbs
Many laboratories are embarking on the research of the next generation of nano computers, which are designed using arrangements of new atoms capable of holding (storing multiple terabytes of information), processing information at speeds far greater than current technology, and particularly at a lower cost.
Nano tubes can also light up bulbs, and thus they are being developed to replace electric bulbs, information displays, computer screens, and mobile phones.
Nano tubes are also extremely sturdy, being ten times stronger than steel and resistant to heat, which could help produce mass quantities of devices for the automotive, aviation, and aerospace industries.
Corporations involved in this field include Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Nano-Proprietary, Natero, NVE, Samsung, Zettacore, General Motors, and Ford.
Medicine: Nano Robots Entering the Body to Heal
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Nano robots penetrating the body to seek and destroy disease-causing cells |
Scientists in the nanotechnology field hope to create a generation of miniaturized robots that can conquer all of life’s challenges.
Firstly, in medicine, nano robots can be used to combat viruses and bacteria.
They can act as perfect surgeons, mobilized to control capillary systems and eliminate disease-causing cells.
The main benefit of this type of medical robot is its ability to detect cell deformities and repair them. However, scientists estimate that it will take another 25 years before these applications can be deployed.
American scientists are also developing ultra-small laboratories that can fit in the palm of a hand thanks to nanotechnology. These laboratories can provide immediate analytical results for various diseases, from diabetes to HIV.
In pharmaceuticals and biochemistry, the application of nanotechnology allows for the formulation of various drugs based on nano structures to target specific areas of the body that require medication.
Especially, nanotechnology in the future may allow for the creation of substances resembling human anatomy to replace damaged parts of the human body.
Companies developing this technology include BioPhan, General Electric, Johnson & Johnson, LabNow, Nanokinetics, NASA, and Quantum Dot.
Energy: Nano Batteries for Clean and Affordable Energy
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Researching nanotechnology techniques in the laboratory |
Thanks to nanotechnology, new types of batteries capable of artificial photosynthesis will help humanity produce clean energy.
With nanotechnology, it is also possible to create devices that consume less energy by using lighter materials.
Furthermore, nano membranes (with very low production costs) promise to absorb more solar energy than current photovoltaic technology. This could kickstart a revolution in solar energy usage.
Currently, companies focusing on this research area include Carbon Nanotechnologies, mPhase Technologies, NanoSolar, Nanosys, and UltraDots.
Environment: Nano Membranes for Wastewater Filtration
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Nanotechnology encompasses life… Logo of the international nanotechnology conference held in Singapore in September 2005 |
To address environmental issues, it is possible to create filters for even the smallest pollution-causing molecules.
This nanotechnology is now being widely applied in France for wastewater filtration.
Closer applications to everyday life include some companies embarking on producing nano particles used in paints, sunshades, and carbon tubes for the electronics industry.
These carbon tubes can be used in various everyday items such as transistors, mobile phones, cars, and even cosmetics.
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Due to the promising applications of nanotechnology, developed countries are currently increasing investment in this field. In the picture: A scientist working in a nanotechnology laboratory |
Defense: Nano Armies
Defense is also a field that is paying close attention to nanotechnology research.
The U.S. military is now particularly interested in this technology.
Because ultra-miniature technical devices could become more dangerous weapons than atomic bombs. With an invisible army and cloning, mini robots could eliminate enemies in the blink of an eye.
… Currently, nanotechnology poses a challenge to the scientific development strategies of many countries, especially those with advanced scientific foundations like the U.S., Germany, France, and Japan.
Entering the 21st century, developed countries have significantly increased their budgets for the development of nanotechnology.
With the current pace of scientific advancement, nanotechnology may well become a reality in the not-so-distant future.
BusinessWeek, Newsweek
