Microscopic and nano-sized phenomena are hot topics to research. With electronic devices becoming smaller, new medical discoveries, and researchers pushing the limit on what is possible, nanotechnology can encompass nearly every field and industry. What is nanotechnology and nanoscience?  Nanotechnology is a relatively new field to study. The broadest definition is "the natural progression of technology from the macroscopic world (e.g. the plow) to millimeter sized objects (e.g. the first transistor) to micron dimensions (e.g. integrated circuits), and finally, into the nanoworld (e.g. the quantum dot)" (Hornyak et al). Nanoscience is the study of these nanoscale materials for their physical, electrical, mechanical, and other properties. To be considered a nanomaterial, at least one dimension of the object must be in the nanoscale. Micron sized objects (~0.000001 = 10-6 m), like coffee rings, fall under the topic of nanotechnology. Thin films, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and small computer chip circuits are also part of this category. Another definition of nanotechnology is nano-sized particles (~0.000000001 meters=10-9 m), which include nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and nanorods. Some possible applications for these are placing drugs inside carbon nanotubes, improving solar cell efficiency, and even targeted imaging of different parts of the cell. How big is nano? A nanometer is 10-9 meters.  At the micro-level, materials have the same properties as if it was the size of a 1 m cube. However, at the nanoscale, properties can change altering the way the material behaves. This gives more possibilities for the ways the material can be used. Where can I get more information? Further information on the NanoFM's research can be found at http://zqlin.public.iastate.edu/index.html. Please contact Dr. Zhiqun Lin, zqlin@iastate.edu, with any further questions. Some useful textbooks: 1. Di Ventra, Massimiliano et al, eds. Introduction to Nanoscale Science and Technology. Boston: Kluwer Academic Press, 2004. Print. 2. Guozhong, Cao. Nanostructures and Nanomaterials. London: Imperial College Press, 2004. Print. 3. Hornyak, Gabor L et al. Introduction to Nanoscience. London: CRC Press, 2008. Print. 4. Nouailhat, Alain. An Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. London: Wiley, 2008. Print. Acknowledgements This site was created by Courtney Boss, fromValley High School in West Des Moines, IA, and Danielle Carda, from Humboldt High School in Humboldt, IA. They were recruited by mentors Professor Larry Genalo and Professor Zhiqun Lin in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Danielle was guided by Katie Schlichting (MS/BS) working on the synthesis and characterization of quantum dots and Au nanoparticles (Supported by NSF). Courtney assisted Wei Han (PhD) investigating evaporative assembly of polymers based on coffee ring phenomena (Supported by NSF CAREER Award). This website is geared toward 5th to 8th grade students to interest them in nanoscience and summarize their research they did during their six weeks in Professor Lin's research group in Summer 2010. |