Expected nanotechnology applications and benefits are:
• Computer processors with low energy consumption and cost and increased efficiency by more than 100 times
• Higher transmission frequencies and more efficient utilization of optical spectrum to provide at least 10 times the present bandwidth
• Small mass storage devices at multi-tera bit levels
• Integrated nanosensors for collecting, processing and communicating massive amounts of data with minimal size, weight, and power consumption
• Quantum computing
• Display technologies
• Expanding ability to characterize genetic makeup to revolutionize the specificity of diagnostics and therapeutics
• Nanodevices to make gene sequencing more efficient
• Effective and less expensive health care using remote and in-vivo devices
• New formulations and routes for drug delivery, optimal drug usage
• More durable, rejection-resistant artificial tissues and organs
• Sensors for early detection and prevention
• DNA microchip arrays using advances for IC industry
• ‘Gene gun’ that uses nanoparticles to deliver genetic material to target cells
• Semiconductor nanocrystals as fluorescent biological labels
• Thermal barrier and wear resistant coatings
• High strength, light weight composites for increasing fuel efficiency in vehicles
• High temperature sensors for ‘under the hood’
• Improved displays
• Automatic highways
• Wear-resistant tires
• High energy efficiency, storage and production and improved battery technology
• Materials of construction to sense changing conditions and in response altering their inner structure
• Monitoring and remediation of environmental problems; curbing emissions; development of environmental friendly processing technologies
• Crystalline materials as catalyst support
• Ordered mesoporous material to remove ultrafine contaminants
• Nano-particle reinforced polymers to replace metals in automobiles to reduce gasoline consumption
• Critical defense applications of nanotechnology for continued information collection, transmission, and protection
• High performance, high strength, light weight military platforms while reducing failure rates and life cycle costs
• Chemical/biological/nuclear sensors; home land protection
• Nano and micromechanical devices for control of nuclear and other defense systems
• Virtual reality systems based on nanoelectronics for effective training
• Increased use of automation and robotics