Nanoscience development

As nanoscience develops, so do the physical measurements we perform, and the types of environments under which we consider molecular properties. One consequence of this development is that classes of systems that are well known and studied in one field can suddenly ignite interest in another. While the result might not surprise in retrospect, it certainly could not have been predicted. This has certainly been the case for cross-conjugated molecules in molecular electronics. This monograph testifies the breadth of this class of compounds and the wide range of their applicability. But it is unlikely that any synthetic chemist, no matter how expert, would have predicted that these systems would become the poster children for quantum interference in electron transport. 

The chemistry and physics of dendritic compounds started a decade ago [1-5]. Today, this science of uniquely shaped molecules, namely, dendrite-shaped molecules, is one of the most exciting topics of contemporary interdisciphnary research. The dendrimers and their related molecules have been investigated widely not only from the viewpoints of synthetic, physical, and material chemistries but also from that of mathematics. Accompanying the development of the science in this decade, research interest has shifted from the mere challenge of preparing molecules with unique shapes, via their excited state chemistries involving inter- and/or intramolecular photo-induced electron and/or energy transfer, to the nanoscience. 

What makes metal nanoclusters scientifically so interesting The answer is that they, in many respects, no longer follow classical physical laws as all bulk materials do, but are correctly to be considered by means of quantum mechanics. This is not only valid for metals. In principle any other solid or in some cases even liquid material exhibit so-called nano-effects when reaching a critical size. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are based on those effects. In the course of only 1-2 decades nanosciences and nanotechnology have developed to such an extent that our daily life already is and will be increasingly influenced in a way that cannot be compared with any other technological development in mankind s history [2]. A few examples will help to better understand what is meant. 

Controlled formation of three-dimensional functional devices in silica makes the hybrid membrane materials presented here of interest for the development of a new supramolecular approach to nanoscience and nanotechnology through self-organization, towards systems of increasing behavioral and functional addressabilities (catalysis, optical and electronic applications, etc.). 

Indeed solutions to several practical problems have been demonstrated, e.g., computation of Pascal s triangle modulo 2 [151], exclusive or (XOR) calculation using triple crossover [152] or string tiles [151]. Again, the annual conference Foundations of Nanoscience [143] provides a good review of the status of development of DNA computation by self assembly. Fig. 23 presents several AFM demonstrations of computation driven by DNA programmed self-assembly. 

Nanotechnology and surface science In recent decades, for example, the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology has developed since the molecular studies of surfaces at nanoscale have reached a much higher level. Nanotechnology is now a popular topic in materials science, and other areas are also emerging. It has deserved this popularity because of its interdisciplinary character, calling for expertise in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Many materials properties are studied in detail. 

During the end of the 20th century, a surge in the development of significantly advanced techniques has advanced nanoscience and technology in the development of self-assembly structures—micelles, monolayers, vesicles—biomolecules, biosensors, and surface and colloidal chemistry. In fact, the current literature indicates that there is no end to this trend regarding the vast expansion in the sensitivity and level of information. 

Tapec R, Zhao XJJ, Tan WH (2002) Development of organic dye-doped silica nanoparticles for bioanalysis and biosensors. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2 405-409... 

Guo, H., et al. (2005) Development of a low density colorimetric protein array for cardiac troponin I detection. J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 5,2161-6. 

It is especially important to CTeate and develop terminology of nanochemistry as a part of a new area of science - nanology, or the science of the nanoworld (nanologists prefer this term to a more widely used word nanoscience). Figures 3.2-3.8, show the diversity of the morphology of nanostructures of carbon, sihcon and boron carbides, which were synthesised via hydrocarbon pyrolysis [2-5] or from elanental substances [6-10]. Morphologies of carbon nanotubes thus obtained are very unusual (Fig. 3.2). 

Finally, nano has become a buzzword of the times. As several authors in this book point out, nanoscience is fundamentally chemistry. The design and synthesis of nanoscale objects is based almost entirely on the principles of chemistry, meaning that the study of the synthesis and properties of these systems is well within the domain of physical chemistry. The potential of this rapidly developing field has captured the imagination of the public and, we hope, our students. Nanoscience can allow us to show students that physical chemistry is interesting, highly useful, and—dare we say—fun ... 

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