IRC in Nanotechnology James Bendall Nanoscience Centre IRC in Nanotechnology University of Cambridge Web:

Definitions where properties differ significantly from those at larger scale.Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ significantly from those at larger scale. Nanotechnology is the design, characterisation, production of and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanometre scale.

Surface area Surface area proportional to 1/size: Given 1cm 3 of material 1cm 3 cube 6cm 2 1  m 3 cubes6m 2 1nm 3 cubes6000m 2 Proportion of surface atoms: 1cm 3 cube 1 in  m 3 cube1 in nm 3 cube 80%

Properties at the nanoscale - optical

Lycurgus chalice ~400AD Diffused lightFocussed light 70nm particles of gold and silver [Johann Kunckel ~1670, Germany]

“Nanotechnology has given us the tools…to play with the ultimate toy box of nature – atoms and molecules. Everything is made from it….The possibilities to create new things appear limitless” Horst Stormer Lucent Technologies and Columbia University, Nobel Prize winner.

Shape - synthesis Flow rate ( sccm) Pressure (1-20 Torr) Temperature ( C) Cone Nanowires Nanowires flowers Flowers Big catalyst flower Family of SiC nanostructures Graphite

Same element…different properties CARBON Soft Electrical conductor Hard Electrical insulator Strong Metallic or semiconducting Semiconductor Perfectly symmetrical molecule

World Funding for Nanotechnology (2004) Source : European Commission(2004) : Private figures based on upon Lux Research Courtesy : E. Andreta

Predicted value of Nano Industry Many studies of the MNT industry have been carried out and have predicted the future value of business Estimated at $1,000 million p.a. in 10 years time It is not just the value of the MNT industry that is important, but also the economic impact MNT will have across manufacturing, the medical field, and defence Additional annual sales of nearly $3,000 million p.a. in new or improved industrial products and medical systems are predicted through the use of MNT devices in 10 years time

Key MNT Market Areas for the UK Healthcare and Biotechnology Automotive and Aerospace Information and Communications Technologies Food and Drink Advanced Manufacturing Advanced Materials Energy Security and Environmental

Nanomembranes for water purification, desalination, detoxification e.g. carbon nanotube engineering Nanotechnology for water applications

Nanosensors for detection of contaminants and pathogens Nanotechnology for water applications

Nanoporous material for water purification Nanotechnology for water applications

Oxide nanomaterials for pollution degradation Magnetic nanoparticles for water treatment and remediation Nanotechnology for water applications