1/12/24

Production of titanium–cerium nanocomposites

 Ocimum tenuiflorum Leaf Extract is used in the Synthesis of Ti–Ce–NCs
The process of obtaining extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum leaves involves the addition of 200 g of finely powdered dried leaves to 1000 ml of methanol. The suspension is intermittently shaken for a few hours. Subsequently, the extract is filtered and then centrifuged to obtain clear extract. This plant extract serves as a green reducing agent in the production of titanium–cerium nanocomposites (Ti–Ce–NCs).
The synthesis process is initiated by combining 50 mM cerium nitrate hexahydrate with 50 mL of ethanol in a beaker with continuous stirring. Simultaneously, titanium (IV) dioxide is introduced into distilled water, maintaining the consistent stirring motion. When these two solutions are brought together,15 mL of freshly prepared O. tenuiflorum leaf extract  is added to the earlier mixture, maintaining continuous stirring. As a result, the mixture becomes dark brown color, and after 2 h, a yellow precipitate settles at the bottom. This yellow precipitate goes through three rounds of centrifugation at 15,000 rpm, followed by overnight drying in an 80 °C oven. The resulting material is further processed by grinding using a mortar and pestle. Lastly, it is subjected to a calcination process at 500 °C for a duration of 4 h, resulting in the production of a fine yellow powder of Ti–Ce–NCs.

1/12/24 by nano · 0

Nanotechnology in medical diagnostics

 Nanotechnology has made significant contributions to the field of diagnostics, offering innovative solutions for improved detection, monitoring, and diagnosis of various diseases. The unique biophysical properties of the nanoparticles enable contrast enhancement to improve biomedical imaging while our ability to manipulate nanoparticles for molecular level specificity enables tissue-specific diagnosis. Some notable applications of nanotechnology in diagnostics include:

Biosensors: Nanoscale materials, such as nanoparticles or nanotubes, are used to create highly sensitive biosensors. These devices can detect specific biomolecules associated with diseases, enabling early diagnosis. For example, nanomaterials can enhance the sensitivity of glucose sensors for diabetes monitoring.

Nanoparticle-based Imaging: Nanoparticles can be designed to act as contrast agents for imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and fluorescence imaging. These contrast agents provide better resolution and enable early detection of diseases.Inorganic nanoparticles particularly have been extensively studied and used for imaging application primarily due to their unique optical, magnetic or electrical properties at nanoscale.

Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Nanotechnology has enabled the development of portable and rapid diagnostic devices for use at the point of care. Nanoscale components can be integrated into diagnostic tools for detecting infectious diseases, cancer markers, and other health indicators quickly.

DNA Nanotechnology: Nanoscale structures made from DNA can be used for various diagnostic purposes, including DNA-based sensors for detecting genetic mutations associated with diseases. DNA nanodevices can also be employed in molecular diagnostics.

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Imaging: Quantum dots and other nanoscale materials can enhance the sensitivity and specificity of imaging techniques, providing detailed information about biological structures. This is particularly useful in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.MRI is a routinely used noninvasive clinical imaging tool that works on the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Gd(III)-based T1 contrast agents (GBCAs) have dominated the clinical imaging space for a long time.

Nanopore Sequencing: Nanopore-based technologies allow for the sequencing of DNA or RNA molecules at the nanoscale. This can be applied to rapid and cost-effective genetic diagnostics, helping to identify genetic variations and mutations.

Nanotechnology in Microfluidics: Microfluidic devices integrated with nanomaterials enable precise control and manipulation of fluids at the micro and nanoscale. This technology is useful for creating miniaturized diagnostic platforms for various applications.

Plasmonic Nanosensors: Plasmonic nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties that can be harnessed for sensing. These nanoparticles are used in diagnostic applications, providing highly sensitive and specific detection of biological molecules.

The integration of nanotechnology into diagnostics has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving sensitivity, specificity, and portability of diagnostic devices, ultimately leading to earlier and more accurate disease detection.

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1/7/24

Tetraaniline (TAN) nano flower

 Tetraaniline(TAN)nano flower

Aniline is a basic aromatic amine with the chemical formula C6H5NH2.TAN is a short Ï€-conjugated oligomer of aniline containing four aniline units.  It could be a compound resulting from the polymerization of aniline or a specific derivative with unique properties. Owing to its short length, the main properties of this oligo(aniline) are good solubility and excellent processability. TAN has multiple different oxidation states, however the emeraldine-based state is the most desirable form, as it can be acidified to form the emeraldine salt (ES) state resulting in high conductivity (approximately 0.014 S m–1). As TAN is one of the most outstanding organic semiconductors that can be potentially used for many purposes, it represents an excellent high-permittivity conducting material. It is commonly used in the production of various chemicals, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and polymers.

TAN flower
This nano flower is created with oligoaniline molecules, a plastic-like material that is both flexible and electrically conductive. The thin sheets that comprise the 'petals' and 'leaves' are about 20 nanometres thick, which is about 5,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. These materials are promising for applications in bendable supercapacitors that can serve as power sources for electronics, or miniature sensors that can rapidly detect toxic compounds
Micro capacitor
With low grafting, the relative permittivity of the elastomer slowly increases because the conducting particles are dispersed far from each other in the polymer matrix. Adding conducting particles until a particular point wherein the conducting clusters are located very close together, but are separated by a very thin elastomer matrix layer, results in the formation of microcapacitors. A high degree of microcapacitors enhances the relative permittivity and capacitance of the composite significantly. However, if the loading content is too high, the percolation threshold will be reached and the permittivity of the material will decrease.

Synthesis of TAN
In a typical synthesis process, a 0.01 M NPPD solution isprepared in water and then, 5 ml of 1 M HNO3 isadded to 50 ml of an APS solution. Then, the acidified aqueous APS solution isadded to the NPPD solution and the reaction was allowed to proceed at room temperature. After 30 minutes, the reaction mixture turns light green at the interface of toluene and water and gradually, the entire aqueous phase turns green, which indicats the formation of TAN. The reaction isallowed to proceed for 5 hours. The aqueous phase is then filtered and washed several times periodically with acetone and water and finally dried under vacuum at room temperature.





1/7/24 by nano · 0

Blooms from nano-weeds?

 Chinese researchers have discovered a simple way to grow nanowire clusters and transform them into an array of tiny flower-like forms.

Nanowires hold great promise as key components in nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices and sensors. But any future application depends on being able to make the wires with precise control over morphology, shape and structure.

Xiu-Ping Yan from Nankai University and co-workers have now discovered how to make highly regular nanoclusters of cysteine-lead wires, which initially resemble dandelions. The wires form spontaneously when a solution of lead acetate and cysteine is concentrated by steadily evaporating off the solvent - a simple process that works on large scale and at room temperature and pressure.

Yan proposes that the flowers form by a crystal splitting mechanism. The crystals grow quickly, and successively split apart as they grow, until finally forming the spherical dandelion structure.

The team could control the cluster’s structure by changing the reaction conditions. At higher initial concentration of solution gives a denser dandelion with more wire ’petals’. Yan also showed that adding more cysteine into the mixture gave less extensively split, more sheaf-like structures, while extra lead produced very high splitting.

A few drops of acid and the dandelions dissolved, but subsequent heating in an autoclave gave a variety of new four- or eight-petaled nanoflower structures. The blooms consist of lead sulfide, a semi-conducting material. Yan’s team are now studying the exact mechanism by which these final structures form.

courtesy: By James Mitchell Crow, News on Beautiful blooms from nano-weeds

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Nano Flower?

 

The term "nano flower" is not a specific scientific term. However, one possible interpretation could be a structure created using nanotechnology that resembles a flower on a very small scale. Here's a general concept of how such nanostructures might be fabricated:

  1. Material Selection: The first step is selecting the materials for the nano flower. Nanotechnology often involves working with materials at the nanoscale, and various materials can be used, including metals, semiconductors, or organic compounds.

  2. Bottom-Up or Top-Down Approach: Nanomaterials can be synthesized using either a bottom-up or top-down approach. In the bottom-up approach, smaller components are built up to create the desired structure, while in the top-down approach, larger structures are scaled down to the nanoscale.

  3. Self-Assembly: One powerful technique in nanotechnology is self-assembly, where nanoscale components spontaneously arrange themselves into a desired structure. This mimics natural processes and helps create intricate nanostructures efficiently.

  4. Nanofabrication Techniques: Various nanofabrication techniques, such as photolithography, electron beam lithography, or chemical vapor deposition, may be employed to shape and manipulate materials at the nanoscale. These techniques allow for precise control over the structure and arrangement of nanomaterials.

  5. Template-Assisted Methods: Using templates, such as molds or patterns at the nanoscale, can guide the assembly of materials into specific shapes. After the desired structure is formed, the template may be removed.

  6. Chemical Synthesis: Chemical methods, including solution-phase synthesis or chemical vapor deposition, can be used to grow nanoscale structures by controlling the chemical reactions that occur at the molecular level.

  7. Characterization: Once the nano flower is created, it needs to be characterized to ensure it meets the desired specifications. Techniques such as electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, or spectroscopy can be employed to examine the structure, size, and composition of the nano flower.

    It is reported that the nanoflowers hold great promise as enzyme mimics for application in the field of biosensor, bioanalysis and biocatalysis.

It's important to note that the creation of nanostructures often involves interdisciplinary collaboration between chemists, physicists, engineers, and material scientists. The specific methods used will depend on the intended application of the nanostructures and the properties desired at the nanoscale.

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Funding for nanotechnology research

Funding for nanotechnology research can vary from year to year, and updated information are available through sources such as government reports, research institutions, and funding agencies.

The following is a general overview of countries that have been prominent in nanotechnology research and development, often investing significantly in this field.

  1. United States: The United States has been a major player in nanotechnology research, with substantial funding from both the government and private sectors. Agencies such as the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) coordinate federal efforts.

  2. China: China has been increasing its investment in nanotechnology research and development. The Chinese government has allocated significant funding to support nanotechnology initiatives and infrastructure.

  3. European Union: European countries, collectively through the European Union, have invested significantly in nanotechnology research. Programs like the European Framework Program for Research and Innovation (Horizon 2020, now Horizon Europe) have supported nanotechnology projects.

  4. Japan: Japan has a strong focus on nanotechnology research and development. The Japanese government, along with industry collaborations, invests in advancing nanotechnology for various applications.

  5. South Korea: South Korea has shown considerable interest in nanotechnology research and has allocated funds to support initiatives in this field.

  6. India: India has been investing in nanotechnology research and development, with efforts to enhance its capabilities in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

It's important to check recent reports or databases from organizations like the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), European Commission, or national research agencies for the most up-to-date and accurate information on nanotechnology funding by country.

 

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Challenges in nanotechniques

 

While nanotechnology has a wide range of applications, there are certain areas where its use may be limited or not feasible due to various reasons. Some of these areas include:

  1. Biological Barriers: Nanoparticles may face challenges when interacting with biological systems. Issues such as biocompatibility, toxicity, and potential adverse effects on living organisms may limit the use of certain nanomaterials in medical applications.

  2. Regulatory Concerns: Nanotechnology raises concerns regarding its potential impact on health and the environment. Regulatory agencies may be cautious about approving certain nanomaterials and applications until thorough safety assessments are conducted.

  3. Cost Constraints: The production of nanomaterials and nanodevices can be expensive. In some cases, the cost may outweigh the potential benefits, making it economically unviable for widespread use, especially in certain consumer products.

  4. Limited Scalability: Some nanotechnologies may face challenges when it comes to scaling up production for mass manufacturing. Processes that work well at the laboratory scale may encounter difficulties when attempting to produce materials or devices on a larger, industrial scale.

  5. Ethical and Social Considerations: Nanotechnology raises ethical concerns, especially in areas such as nanomedicine and human augmentation. Issues related to privacy, informed consent, and the potential misuse of nanotechnologies may limit their acceptance in certain applications.

  6. Energy Intensive Processes: Certain nanofabrication techniques may require substantial energy inputs. If the energy requirements are too high, it could offset the potential energy savings or environmental benefits of nanotechnology applications.

  7. Complexity and Interdisciplinary Challenges: Nanotechnology often requires expertise from various scientific disciplines. The complexity of interdisciplinary research and development may hinder progress in certain applications, especially when collaboration and communication between different fields are challenging.

  8. Limited Understanding of Long-Term Effects: In some cases, the long-term effects of exposure to nanomaterials are not fully understood. This lack of knowledge may lead to caution in adopting certain nanotechnologies, especially in areas where potential health and environmental impacts are of concern.

It's important to note that research in nanotechnology is ongoing, and scientists are continually addressing these challenges to expand the applicability of nanotechnology across various fields. As our understanding of nanomaterials and their interactions improves, it may open up new possibilities for applications in areas that are currently considered challenging.

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Use of nanotechnology in smart phones and computers

Nanotechnology has found various applications in the development of smartphones and computers, contributing to advancements in performance, durability, and functionality. Some key components that incorporate nanotechnology in these devices include:

  1. Semiconductor Technology: Nanoscale components are crucial in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, such as transistors and memory cells. The use of nanomaterials and nanoscale structures enhances the efficiency and speed of these components, leading to faster and more energy-efficient devices.

  2. Nanocomposites for Structural Components: Nanocomposites, which are materials with nanoparticles dispersed in a matrix, are used in the construction of various structural components in smartphones and computers. These materials can provide improved strength, durability, and reduced weight.

  3. Nanoelectronics: Nanotechnology is applied in the design and fabrication of nanoscale electronic components. This includes the development of nanoscale transistors and other electronic devices that enable the miniaturization of electronic circuits, leading to smaller and more powerful devices.

  4. Nanocoatings: Nanotechnology is employed in the production of nanocoatings for various components, such as screens and casings. These coatings can provide scratch resistance, water repellency, and other protective features to enhance the durability and longevity of the devices.

  5. Nanostructured Batteries: Nanotechnology is utilized in the development of advanced battery technologies. Nanostructured materials can improve the performance of batteries, offering higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer lifespan. This is particularly relevant in smartphones and laptops where battery life is a critical factor. Many companies have R&D divisions dedicated to the advancement of battery technology through nanoscience. Many companies have tested nanotechnology on their smartphone batteries, and Samsung has tested it on the Galaxy S7. By coating the electrons with nanoparticles or nanowires, the anodes that hold the lithium ions get a boost to their power density, as nanoparticles weigh nearly nothing but create more area in which power can be stored. In fact some scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology think you might someday charge your phone while you walk, jog or do some other physical activity by way of nanotechnology.

  6. Quantum Dots for Displays: Quantum dots, nanoscale semiconductor particles, are used in display technologies to enhance color accuracy and brightness. Quantum dot displays offer improved performance compared to traditional LED displays in terms of color reproduction and energy efficiency.The University of Cambridge (UK) and Nokia Research Center (NRC), developed Nokia Morph, a joint nanotechnology concept that shows how the mobile devices of the future can be flexible and stretchable, thus enabling the user to convert their mobiles and devices into radically different shapes. All of this shows the significant role that nanotechnology can deliver; including self-cleaning surfaces,

  7. Nanophotonics: Nanotechnology plays a role in the field of nanophotonics, which involves the manipulation of light at the nanoscale. This is important for the development of smaller and more efficient optical components used in communication devices and sensors.

  8. Nanomechanical Systems: Nanoscale mechanical systems, such as nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), can be integrated into devices for sensing and actuation. These tiny mechanical components contribute to the development of advanced sensors and actuators in smartphones and computers.

Overall, the integration of nanotechnology in smartphones and computers is a multidisciplinary approach, involving materials science, electronics, and engineering, to enhance the performance, functionality, and durability of these devices.

 

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11/27/23

Nano tubes using sulphur and its uses

 Nano tubes using sulphur and its uses

Sulfur nanotubes are a type of nanomaterial that have gained attention in recent years. These nanotubes are composed primarily of sulfur atoms arranged in a tubular structure. They have unique properties and potential applications in various fields. Here are some uses and potential applications of sulfur nanotubes:

1. Energy Storage: Sulfur nanotubes have shown promise in energy storage applications, particularly in lithium-sulfur batteries. They can serve as a cathode material, enabling higher energy density and longer battery life compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

2. Gas Sensing: Sulfur nanotubes have been explored for their gas sensing capabilities. They can be used to detect and measure various gases, including toxic gases and environmental pollutants. This makes them potentially useful in environmental monitoring and industrial safety applications.

3. Catalysis: Sulfur nanotubes have shown catalytic properties, making them potentially useful in chemical reactions. They can act as catalysts for various processes, such as hydrogenation, oxidation, and carbon dioxide conversion.

4. Drug Delivery: Sulfur nanotubes have been investigated for their potential in drug delivery systems. Their tubular structure can be utilized to encapsulate and deliver drugs to specific targets in the body, offering controlled release and improved therapeutic efficacy.

5. Nanoelectronics: Sulfur nanotubes have also been explored for their potential in nanoelectronic devices. Their unique electronic properties make them suitable for applications such as field-effect transistors, sensors, and optoelectronic devices.

It's important to note that while sulfur nanotubes hold promise in these areas, further research and development are still needed to fully understand their properties and optimize their applications.

11/27/23 by nano · 0

Nanotechnology use in rocketry

 
Nanotechnology use in rocketry

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of rocketry and space exploration. Here are a few ways nanotechnology can be utilized in this field:

1. Lightweight and strong materials: Nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, possess exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. By incorporating these materials into rocket components, such as fuel tanks or structural elements, it is possible to reduce the overall weight of the rocket while maintaining structural integrity.

2. Improved propulsion systems: Nanotechnology can enhance rocket propulsion systems by enabling the development of more efficient and powerful engines. For example, nanoscale catalysts can be used to improve the performance of rocket propellants, leading to increased thrust and fuel efficiency.

3. Thermal protection systems: Re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere generates intense heat that can damage the spacecraft. Nanomaterials, such as ceramic nanocomposites, can provide superior thermal protection by dissipating and reflecting heat more effectively than traditional materials.

4. Sensors and diagnostics: Nanosensors can be employed to monitor various parameters during rocket launches, such as temperature, pressure, and structural integrity. These sensors can provide real-time data, enabling better monitoring and control of the rocket's performance.

5. Energy storage: Nanotechnology can contribute to the development of advanced energy storage systems, such as nanoscale batteries or supercapacitors. These energy storage devices can provide higher energy density and faster charging capabilities, which are crucial for long-duration space missions.

It's important to note that while nanotechnology holds great promise for rocketry, many of these applications are still in the research and development stage. However, ongoing advancements in nanotechnology are expected to have a significant impact on the future of space exploration.

 Nanotechnology has the potential to contribute to space exploration in various ways. For instance, nanomaterials can be used to develop lightweight and durable spacecraft components, nanosensors can be employed for precise measurements and monitoring, and nanoelectronics can enhance the performance of onboard instruments and communication systems.

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Nano fabrication techniques commonly used in nanotechnology

 Nano fabrication techniques commonly used in nanotechnology:

1. Electron Beam Lithography (EBL): This technique uses a focused beam of electrons to selectively expose a resist material, allowing for precise patterning at the nanoscale.

2. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD): ALD is a thin film deposition technique that involves sequentially depositing atomic layers of different materials onto a substrate, resulting in precise control over film thickness and composition.

3. Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL): NIL involves pressing a mold with nanoscale features onto a substrate coated with a resist material, transferring the pattern onto the substrate through mechanical deformation or curing.

4. Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE): MBE is a technique used to grow thin films of crystalline materials with atomic precision. It involves evaporating atoms or molecules onto a heated substrate in a high vacuum environment.

5. Self-Assembly: Self-assembly techniques rely on the inherent properties of certain materials to spontaneously arrange themselves into desired patterns or structures at the nanoscale.

6. Nanolithography: Nanolithography encompasses various techniques, such as optical lithography, focused ion beam (FIB) lithography, and scanning probe lithography, which are used to pattern or etch materials at the nanoscale.

These are just a few examples of nano fabrication techniques, and there are many more techniques available depending on the specific requirements and desired outcomes of a particular application.nanotechnology use in aerospace

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Frontier areas in nanotechnology

 Frontier areas in nanotechnology

In the field of nanotechnology, there are several frontier areas that are currently being explored. Some of these areas include:

1. Nanomedicine: This involves the development of nanoscale materials and devices for medical applications, such as targeted drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics.

2. Nanoelectronics: This field focuses on the development of nanoscale electronic components and devices, including transistors, sensors, and memory devices, which can enable faster and more efficient electronic systems.

3. Nanomaterials: This area involves the study and development of new materials with unique properties at the nanoscale. These materials can have applications in various fields, such as energy storage, catalysis, and environmental remediation.

4. Nanophotonics: This field explores the interaction of light with nanoscale structures and materials. It aims to develop new devices and technologies for applications such as optical computing, high-resolution imaging, and advanced sensors.

5. Nanomanufacturing: This area focuses on developing scalable and cost-effective methods for manufacturing nanoscale materials and devices. It involves techniques such as self-assembly, nanolithography, and nanofabrication.

These are just a few examples of frontier areas in nanotechnology, and the field is constantly evolving with new discoveries and advancements.

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