Longest carbon nanotubes
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have grown the longest carbon nanotube arrays using new techniques. These nanotubes are up to 2 centimeters long, but they are more than 900,000 times longer than its diameter. Researchers used a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique using a new substrate and a catalyst in a special furnace, they made carbon atom vapors grow to a long tubes. These carbon nanotube fibers are longer, stronger, and conduct electricity better and useful in many practical applications.
Vitamin drinks
Many vitamins and their precursors, such as carotinoids, are insoluble in water. However, when skillfully produced and formulated as nanoparticles, these substances can easily be mixed with cold water, and their bioavailability in the human body also increases. Many lemonades and fruit juices contain these specially formulated additives, which often also provide an attractive color.
Metal luster by nanoparticles
Metal/glass articles produced in medieval times shine with luster and made in a wide variety of colors, such as red, brown, green, and yellow. The reason for this was intriguing the scientists. Researchers from Spain have discovered what makes that lustre and they report that luster is made up of a thin layer of densely packed copper and silver nanoparticles in a glassy matrix. Researchers have shown by experimental techniques that the metallic shine of lustre comes from these nanoparticles. They were also able to reproduce lustre layers following the procedures listed in historical records.
Virus filtering
Nanomaterial based virus filter is capable of filtering the smallest of particles due to its nano size alumina fiber, which attracts and retains sub-micron and nanosize particles. A disposable filter of this type retains 99.9999+% of viruses at water flow rates of several hundred times greater than virus-rated ultra porous membranes.Clear fingerprint by gold nanoparticlesThe standard way of finding hidden fingerprints currently used by investigators involves coating the surface with gold particles and developing with a reagent called silver physical developer which reacts to create a black silver precipitate along the finger mark ridges. This developer is unstable and results can vary. Researchers in Israel have developed a technique that allows one to see hidden fingerprints more easily and quickly. Using gold nanoparticles dissolved in stable organic solution, fingerprints produced by the new solution are high-quality and can be developed just after three minutes. The gold nanoparticles stick to the fingerprint residues through hydrophobic interactions. With the new technique, the recovery of prints on evidence can be greatly improved.
Nanotechnology to identify Counterfeits
Counterfeiting of banknotes by fake ones has become a great problem in the society. To prevent counterfeiting money and to identify it easily, researchers of Simon Fraser University in Canada have used nanotechnology, inspired by a natural cool iridescent blue color of a butterfly. The color is produced when light reflects off the surface having nanoscale features which diffract only a narrow spectrum of light. This technique uses no color pigment which can be copied but only features that can be fabricated into the banknote. This finding besides preventing counterfeiters could also find very useful for a lot of different kinds of purposes.
Synthetic bone
Nanoparticulate based synthetic bone called "Human bone” is made of a calcium and phosphate composite called Hydroxyapatite. It is made by the manipulation of calcium and phosphate at the molecular level that is identical in structure and composition to natural bone. This novel synthetic bone can be used in cases where natural bone is damaged or removed, such as in the in the treatment of fractures and soft tissue injuries.
Sunglasses
The first sunglasses using protective and antireflective ultra thin polymer coatings are on the market. For optics, nanotechnology also offers scratch resistant coatings based on nanocomposites. These coatings are transparent without affecting optical performance. The sunglasses are ultra-thin, simple care, well-suited for daily use and the price is reasonable for the durability.
Sports Equipment
Nanomaterials are being used or considered for use in a variety of different types of sporting equipment. The use of nanotechnology in sporting equipment is creating unique opportunities to develop lighter materials that can be stronger than the traditional counterparts. Frequently, the nanomaterials in sporting equipment are embedded in a matrix within the product. For example, nanomaterials are being used in tennis rackets and baseball bats to reportedly improve their strength and stability