Introduction to Nanoscience

What is nanoscience?

The word itself is a combination of nano, from the Greek “nanos” (or Latin “nanus”), meaning “Dwarf”, and the word "Science."

Nano refers to the 10^-9 power, or one billionth. In these terms it refers to a meter, or a nanometer, which is on the scale of atomic diameters. For comparison, a human hair is about 100,000 nanometers thick!

Nanoscience is the study of atoms, molecules, and objects whose size is on the nanometer scale ( 1 - 100 nanometers ).

Why is the study of nanoscience different than the same problems on a larger scale?

Physics is different on the nanometer scale. Properties not seen on a macroscopic scale now become important- such as quantum mechanical and thermodynamic properties. Rather than working with bulk materials, one works with individual atoms and molecules. By learning about an individual molecule’s properties, we can put them together in very well-defined ways to produce new materials with new and amazing characteristics.

Why is nanoscience suddenly becoming such a big field?

There are multiple reasons for this. One is availability of new instruments able to “see” and "touch" at this scale. In the early 1980’s the scanning tunneling microscope was invented at IBM-Zurich in Switzerland. This was the first instrument that was able to “see” atoms. A few years later, the Atomic Force Microscope was invented, expanding the capabilities and types of materials that could be investigated. Hence, Scanning Probe Microscopy was born, and since then multiple similar techniques have evolved from these instruments to “see” different properties at the nanometer scale. In addition, “older” techniques such as electron microscopy have continued to evolve as well, and now can image in the nanometer range. Currently, there are a large number of complementary instruments that help scientists in the nano realm.

In addition to the enabling technologies, scientists have realized the future potential of this research. By convincing politicians and leaders around the world, countries have instituted initiatives to promote nanoscience and nanotechnology in their universities and labs. With the recent increase in funding, many scientists are pursuing this research and the rate of discovery has increased dramatically.