2.1. NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers. The physical, chemical and biological properties exhibited by a material changes at this size level is unique and peculiar way, i.e. it follows the laws of quantum physics which is very different from the laws of Newtonian physics we see and feel. As nanotechnology allows manipulation of properties at a very small scale, it can have many applications such as:

•  Medical field: Nano scale diagnostic devices are more efficient in detecting cancer or infection, Nano size drugs can be delivered to targeted areas which can also help fight cancer. For example – Recently, a new technology for safer and cheaper diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been found by turning nano-particles of calcium phosphate into fully biodegradable radio frequency (RF) agents that can be imaged in MRI and CT scans.
• Combating climate change: by developing nanomaterial which can effectively help to reduce the Carbon Dioxide in the air and trigger bioremediation to get rid of toxic waste such as dyes, oil spill etc.
•  Combating Carbon Emission: The Nano CO2 Harvester can capture more CO2 than usual and is more efficient fuel converter.
•  Cleaning Water: The magnetically charged nanoparticles have been proved potent in researches to have effectively carried on adsorption process to remove heavy & toxic metals, dyes from and oil spills from water bodies.
• Accelerating Biodegradation (Solid Waste Management): They accelerate the conversion of organic waste into organic manures or biogas and fertilizers can also be quickened through use of Nanoparticles (such as Iron oxide particles).
• Agriculture: Food processing industry can get better packaging, presentation with least waste and minimum moisture flow and growth of bacteria. Also, Silver Nanoparticles which exhibit antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti- inflammatory, antiviral and antiplatelet properties can be used to increase the shelf life of agricultural products.
• Defence: Use in intelligence gathering through difficult to detect sensors/cameras/ recording devices, precision guiding tools etc.
• Construction: as nanomolecular structures can make asphalt and concrete more robust to water seepage, heat-resistant nanomaterials can block ultraviolet and infrared radiation etc.
• Energy: such as Novel hydrogen storage systems based on carbon nanotubes and other lightweight nanomaterials, Nanocatalysts for hydrogen generation etc.