An Introduction to Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology represents a revolutionary path for technological development that concerns the management of material at the nanometer scale (one billion times smaller than a meter). Nanotechnology factually means any technology on the nanoscale that has numerous applications in the real world. Nanotechnology literally encompasses the fabrication and application of chemical, physical, and biological systems at scales ranging from individual molecules or atoms to submicron dimensions, and also the integration of these resulting nanomaterials into larger systems. It has the potential to change our perspectives and expectations and provide us with the capability to resolve global issues. The discovery and use of carbon nanomaterials has allowed the introduction of many new areas of technology in nanomedicine, biosensors, and bioelectronics. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a multidisciplinary field, in which gaining a fundamental understanding of the electrical, optical, magnetic, and mechanical properties of nanostructures promises to deliver the next generation of functional materials with wide-ranging applications. Nanostructures can also provide solutions to technological and environmental challenges in the areas of catalysis, medicine, solar energy conversion, and water treatment.