Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology (sometimes shortened to "nanotech") is the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally, nanotechnology works with materials, devices, and other structures with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres. Quantum mechanical effects are important at this quantum-realm scale. With a variety of potential applications, nanotechnology is a key technology for the future and governments have invested billions of dollars in its research. Through its National Nanotechnology Initiative, the USA has invested 3.7 billion dollars. The European Union has invested 1.2 billion and Japan 750 million dollars. Read more on wikipedia

News

Grid List

Jun 14, 2013 09:54 PM EDT

Long Sought Platinum Catalyst Alternative Found in Novel Nanoparticle

A team of researchers has found that an important chemical reaction that generates hydrogen from water is effectively triggered -- or catalyzed -- by a nanoparticle composed of nickel and phosphorus, two inexpensive elements that are abundant on Earth. The results of the group led by Raymond Schaak,...

atomic-scale heat dissipation, which poses a serious obstacle to the development of novel nanoscale devices

Jun 14, 2013 04:08 PM EDT

Nano-Thermometer Enables First Atomic-Scale Heat Dissipation Measurements

In findings that could help overcome a major technological hurdle in the road toward smaller and more powerful electronics, an international research team involving University of Michigan engineering researchers, has shown the unique ways in which heat dissipates at the tiniest scales.

flow of millions of water molecules through long Carbon Nanotubes.

Jun 11, 2013 03:29 PM EDT

Limitless Clean Water Everywhere: Carbon Nanotubes Could Make it Happen, Or Can They?

There were high hopes of using carbon nanotubes, particularly for ultra-fast water transport to desalinate seawater. However, a simulation now reveals that these ultra-fast transport rates might have not been properly grounded after all. Researchers who work with experiments and computer models have...

carbon monoxide molecules, which bind to individual palladium atoms

Jun 10, 2013 05:40 PM EDT

Dance of The Atoms Filmed and Interdicted

Catalysts can stop working when atoms on the surface start moving. At the Vienna University of Technology, this dance of the atoms could now be observed and explained.

Color of Nanoparticles Depends What Type of Light Shines on Them

Jun 07, 2013 05:52 PM EDT

Fine-Tuning Emissions From Quantum Dots

Tiny particles of matter called quantum dots, which emit light with exceptionally pure and bright colors, have found a prominent role as biological markers. In addition, they are realizing their potential in computer and television screens, and have promise in solid-state lighting.

nanostructured-carbon-based catalyst developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Jun 06, 2013 04:11 PM EDT

Economical Non-Precious-Metal Catalyst Capitalizes on Carbon Nanotubes

Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have designed a new type of nanostructured-carbon-based catalyst that could pave the way for reliable, economical next-generation batteries and alkaline fuel cells, providing for practical use of wind- and solar-powered electricity, as well as enhanced hybri...

gold surface (in yellow) with carbene anchors (green) attaching polymer molecules

May 30, 2013 03:34 PM EDT

A New Kind of Chemical ‘Glue’

Method for attaching molecules to metal surfaces could find applications in medicine, electronics and other fields.

single water molecule imprisoned inside a fullerene C60 at equilibrium

May 08, 2013 11:59 PM EDT

Nanotech Scientists Make Football Molecule With Water Core

With new technique developed by Columbia Engineering researchers managed to encapsulate a single water molecule inside a football-shaped carbon (C60) molecular structure.

new type of technology that combines two biological imaging methods - atomic force microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance - to create a new way to study cancer-cell metastasis

Apr 29, 2013 11:58 PM EDT

New Nanotech Tool Developed, Allowing Examination of Single Cells

Scientists at Purdue University have combined an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a nuclear magnetic resonance system to craft the perfect biomedical tool that could reveal cellular secrets not accessible before.

Apr 29, 2013 10:05 PM EDT

Super-Resolution Optical Nano-Microscopy Now Works Even Without Dyes

Researchers have now found a way to make nanostructures, like single molecules, optically visible using a new type of super-resolution microscopy that until now only worked by using fluorescent dyes, delivering a very important new tool for biomedical and nanotechnology research.

Apr 26, 2013 03:35 PM EDT

Graphene Layers on Steel Surfaces Found to be Perfect Lubricant, Superior to Oil

Scientists discovered that one-atom-thick graphene layers work very well as lubricants on sliding steel surfaces, enabling a dramatic reduction in the amount of wear and friction over solutions like oil-based lubricants.

Apr 23, 2013 03:41 PM EDT

Using Graphene to Grow Nanowires Yields Unexpected and Useful Structure

A new phenomenon was discovered by chance when experimenting with growing nanowires of a compound semiconductor on top of a sheet of graphene. The team of University of Illinois engineers that conducted the experiments were surprised to find the very useful trait that the self-assembled wires formed...