Resource Key
LEVEL 1
brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)
LEVEL 2
provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.
LEVEL 3
lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)
Databases
- World Book Encyclopedia This link opens in a new window
Online version of the complete reference work along with dictionary, atlas, links, magazines, historical documents, audio, video, images, and 3D photograph
- Britannica Schools This link opens in a new window
Introduction
Nanotechnology in science, engineering, and technology is conducted at the nanoscale, which includes sizes from about 1 to 100nm. The ideas and concepts behind nanoscience and nanotechnology started with a talk by physicist Richard Feynman in 1959, long before the term nanotechnology was used. In his talk, Feynman described a process in which scientists would be able to manipulate and control individual atoms and molecules. Over a decade later, in his explorations of ultraprecision machining, Professor Norio Taniguchi coined the term nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology can be used across a number of Science fields, such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Materials Science, and Engineering. In this assignment you will concentrate on the chemical side of nanotechnology – nanochemistry.
Overview
- Lemonick, M. D. (2000). Will tiny robots build diamonds one atom at a time? Time, 155(25), 94.
Scroll down to 'What is nanotechnology' heading. Discusses the development and applications of nanotechnology. - United States National Nanotechnology Initiative. (n.d.). What it is and how it works. Retrieved from http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what
This website covers the basics of nanotechnology, it's applications, and ethical, legal and societal issues. - Nanotechnology: Untold promise, unknown risk. (2007). Consumer Reports, 72(7), 40-45.The article discusses advancements in the area of nanotechnology and the impact of nanotechnology on human health and ecology. The article discusses the use of nanotechnology in cosmetics, alternative energy vehicles, and wastewater treatment. Carbon nanotubes are also discussed.
Nanotechnology
Isdale, A., Hastie, S., Henderson, F., Lass, D., & Woodley, K. (Producers). (2011). Nanotechnology [Television series episode]. In S. Waller (Producer), Scope. Pyrmont, N.S.W.: Network Ten.
Rees, R. (Producer). (2007). Nanotechnology: An introduction [Television broadcast]. Blackburn, Vic.: Rees Films.
Key Terms
- nanotechnology noun - a technology executed on the scale of less than 100 nanometers, the goal of which is to control individual atoms and molecules, especially to create computer chips and other microscopic devices.
- nanoparticle noun - a microscopic particle of matter that is measured on the nanoscale, usually one that measures less than 100 nanometres.
- nanotube noun - a cylindrical nanoparticle, especially a carbon molecule.
- nanometre noun - one thousand-millionth of a metre (nm).
- nanobot noun - a machine or robot built on the nanoscale, still in the research-and-development stage, with potential applications in medicine and industry.
- graphene noun - a nanomaterial consisting of one-atom-thick sheets of carbon atoms, with the atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice structure.
- fullerene noun - any of a class of molecules of carbon having a roughly spherical shape.
- polymer noun - a compound of high molecular weight derived either by the addition of many smaller molecules, as polyethylene, or by the condensation of many smaller molecules with the elimination of water, alcohol, or the like, as nylon.
- hydrophobic adjective - having little or no affinity for water.
- hydrophilic adjective - having a strong affinity for water.
- oleophilic adjective - of or relating to a substance that has an affinity for oils and not for water.
- photocatalysis noun - the acceleration or retardation of the reaction rate in chemical reactions by light.
- elasticity noun - the state or quality of being elastic (capable of returning to its original length, shape, etc., after being stretched, deformed, compressed, or expanded).
- fatigue noun - the weakening or breakdown of material subjected to stress, especially a repeated series of stresses.