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Materials science and nanotechnology are at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements across various industries. From healthcare to electronics, these fields are revolutionising how we understand and manipulate materials at the atomic level.
Materials science is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand and customise the properties of matter to improve existing materials and create novel ones. This includes metals, alloys, semiconductors, polymers, glasses, and ceramics. By integrating principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, materials science investigates how the composition and structure of materials affect their key properties. This research and development field lays the foundation for technological advancements necessary to address current societal needs, while also aiming to reduce environmental impact. Recent breakthroughs, such as high-efficiency solar cells, flexible electronics, advanced drug delivery systems, and biodegradable polymers, demonstrate how materials science can transform our everyday lives [1].
One exciting aspect of materials science is nanotechnology. Since the term ”nanotechnology” was first coined in the 1980s, the field has seen exponential growth, particularly in the last two decades. Exploring the nanoscale has led to the discovery of a new realm of nanomaterials, enabling applications that were previously unimaginable [2]. Nanomaterials, defined by having at least one dimension measuring less than 100 nanometres (1 nanometre = 1 billionth of a metre), can take various forms: dots and spherical particles (zero-dimensional), tubes, wires and fibres (one-dimensional), sheets and platelets (two-dimensional), or cages and cubes (three-dimensional). Nanomaterials exhibit unique and often enhanced optical, electrical, magnetic and even mechanical properties compared to their bulk counterparts. Industries such as agriculture, healthcare, electronics, energy, pollution mitigation, food engineering, cosmetics, coatings and construction have all benefited from the introduction of nanomaterials [3].
To come in terms with the size of nanomaterials, check this video.
1. Healthcare: Nanoparticles are used as tiny, smart vessels for targeted drug delivery, particularly in cancer treatment. Nanosised capsules can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Nanotechnology is also making significant strides in medical diagnostics. Iron oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes are being used as better and sustainable contrast agents in MRI and other imaging scans, improving the clarity and the resolution of these diagnostic tools [4].
2. Electronics: The miniaturisation of electronic components, which has changed our way of life, can be largely attributed to advancements in nanotechnology. Moreover, nanomaterials like graphene have been used to produce flexible, lightweight electronic devices. Leading screen manufacturers have incorporated quantum dots in LED monitors and commercial TVs to produce rich, vibrant displays with better color resolution and brightness [5].
3. Agriculture: Nanoparticles with antibacterial, antioxidant and UV-blocking properties are integrated into fertilizers, pesticides and polytunnel films to protect crops from bacterial and fungal infections and exposure to harmful UV light exposure. These functions not only boost crop yield but also promote more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the use of chemicals. For example, delivering nutrients such as zinc, iron, copper, and manganese as nanoparticles prevents their oxidation and formation of insoluble compounds, facilitating their uptake by plant roots [6].
4. Energy: Nanomaterials have improved the efficiency of solar cells by increasing absorption of light and decreasing energy loss due to charge recombination. Nanostructured materials are used in lithium-ion batteries to increase their capacity and charging speed [7].
5. Environmental Protection: Nanotechnology offers solutions for environmental challenges, such as water purification and pollution control. Nanomaterials can remove contaminants from water more effectively than traditional methods [8].
6. Food packaging: Nanosensors are used in Smart Packaging to detect spoilage and contamination. Nanomaterials with enhanced anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties are integrated in the food packaging to increase the shelf life of food [9].
7. Cosmetics: Nanoparticles like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used in sunscreens to provide better UV protection without leaving a white residue. Nanomaterials are also used to deliver the active ingredients of anti-aging products deeper into the ores of the skin, improving their effectiveness [10].
8. Coatings: Nanomaterials like titanium dioxide are used in coatings that can break down dirt and pollutants when exposed to sunlight. Ceramic nanoparticles can be incorporated in metal coatings as a means of reinforcement to increase mechanical enhance the durability and corrosion resistance of coatings [11].
While the potential of materials science and nanotechnology is immense, there are challenges to overcome [12]. These include the high cost of production, potential environmental and health risks due to nanoparticles’ exposure, and the need for standardised regulations [13]. Future research is focused on addressing these challenges and exploring new frontiers, such as self-healing materials and nanorobots [14].
a. Insights, 2021, Assessed date (November 2024), https://insights.samsung.com/2021/12/29/what-is-quantum-dot-display-technology/
b. M. -A. Cotta, Quantum Dots and Their Applications: What Lies Ahead?, ACS Appl Nano Mater, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.0c01386
a. Azomaterials, 2021, Assessed date (November 2024), https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=21100
b. Mit News, 2017, Assessed date (November 2024), https://news.mit.edu/2017/mit-researchers-develop-graphene-based-transparent-flexible-solar-cells-0728