Science and technology of nanomaterials: current status and future prospects

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry Vol. 11; no. 12; pp. 2887 - 2894
• Main Authors: RAO, C. N. R, CHEETHAM, A. K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 01.01.2001
• Subjects: Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Physics; Characterization; Scanning electron microscopy; State of the art; Reviews; Transmission electron microscopy; Investigation method; Simulation; Supramolecular structure; Modelling; Chemical synthesis; Nanostructured materials
• ISSN: 0959-9428
• DOI: 10.1039/b105058n

The science and technology of nanomaterials has created great excitement and expectations in recent years. By its very nature, the subject is of immense academic interest, having to do with very tiny objects in the nanometre regime. There has already been much progress in the synthesis, assembly and fabrication of nanomaterials, and, equally importantly, in the potential applications of these materials in a wide variety of technologies. The next decade is likely to witness major strides in the preparation, characterisation and exploitation of nanoparticles (including nanophase ceramic oxide particles), nanotubes and other nanounits, and their assemblies. In addition, there will be progress in discovery and commercialisation of nanotechnologies and devices. These new technologies are bound to have an impact on the chemical, energy, electronics and space industries. They will also have applications in medicine and health care, drug and gene delivery being important areas. Important facets of nanomaterials research are examined, highlighting current trends and future directions. Since synthesis, structure, properties and simulation are important ingredients of nanoscience, materials chemists have a major role to play. 56 refs.