Nanotechnology and nanomaterials

At the beginning of any investigation, one is confronted with the selection of the synthesis method, the experimental and simulation techniques to be used, and the choice of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, organics or carbon-based, composites, etc.). The main challenge is relating the final product properties and production rates to the material properties of the reaction components and precursors 

Preparations of nanoparticles have yielded synthesis methods that are widely used to obtain nanoparticle samples for research pinposes [3-5]. These preparations have led to detailed examinations of the opto-electronic properties of nanostmctures as they deviate from those of the bulk material. For example, the blue shift in the absorption onset as a function of decreasing nanoparticle size can be directly related to quantum confinement of excitons within the nanoparticle [6]. Due to their extremely small size and large specific surface area, nanoparticles usually exhibit unusual physical and chemical properties compared to that of bulk materials [7]. The use of polymer matrix as an environment for in situ nanoparticle growth combines, synergistically. 

The top-down approach miniaturization is based on a progressive reduction of dimensions. These technologies are mostly based on lithography and pattern transfer, and address dimensions down to 10 nm. It is the basis of today s application fields. 

To prepare even more complex nanomaterial-based structures and devices, one must first be able to accurately control the chemical structure and functionality of the nanobuilding blocks at the molecular level. 

Traditional models and theories for material properties and device operations assume that the physical quantities are described by continuous variables and are valid only for length larger than about 100 nanometers. When at least one dimension of a material structure is under this critical length, distinct behavior often emerges that cannot be explained by traditional models and theories. In the semiconductor device field, for instance, quantum effects (turmel effect, discrete energy levels...) appear when the active layer thickness is smaller than 10 nm. Reducing the dimensions of structures leads to entities, such as carbon nanotubes, quantum wires and dots, thin films, DNA-based structures, and laser emitters, which have unique properties. 

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ETUC Resolution on nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, European Trade Union Confederation, Brussels, 2008... 

Biomedical photonics has the potential to revolutionize medicine as we know it, especially by application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials, leading to diagnostics and therapy at the molecular level. 

Recent advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials provides several different novel approaches to PDT [140,276], First, NPs can improve the delivery of photosensitizers, as they are postulated to do with many other imaging contrast agents or therapeutic compounds [140, 276-278], Second, some NPs are photochemically active. Thus, for example, porous silicon NPs, with a huge surface-to-volume ratio,... 

Applications of nanotechnology and nanomaterials for treatment, diagnosis, monitoring, and control of human biological systems are referred to as nanomedicine [276,279,280],... 

Recently, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have been revolutionizing important areas in biomedical photonics, especially diagnostics and therapy at the molecular and cellular levels. Once again, inorganic species offer unique possibilities for practical applications. 

The 21st century has been named the century of nanotechnology and nanomaterials.4 The basic directions in the technology of solid materials are connected with new synthetic methods for obtaining these materials. Chemical approaches in the development of nanotechnologies will no doubt play a central role. One chemical approach in the field of obtaining new nanomaterials is the Molecular Layering (ML) method, the subject of this report. 

Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in Photodeformable Liquid Crystalline Polymers... 

In recent years, nanotechnology and nanomaterials have been widely used in designing advanced functional materials based on photoresponsive LCPs. Although several reviews have concentrated on the photodeformable effect of LCPs and their applications in soft actuators [22], to date the influence of nanostructures and nanomaterials on the photodeformable properties of LCPs has not been summarized. In this chapter, we mainly focus on the utilization of special nanostructures and amazing physicochemical properties of nanomaterials to manipulate the photomechanical behaviors of LCPs. Fmthermore, their potential applications as light-driven devices and other future prospects are proposed. 

Application of Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in Photo-Driven Actuators of LCPs... 

Zhang LJ, Webster TJ. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials promises for improved tissue regeneration. Nano Today 2009 4 66-80. 

Zhang L, Webster TJ (2009) Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials Promises for Improved Tissue Regeneration. Nano today 4 66-80. 

Nanoparticles have been widely used in optical, resonant, electrical, and magnetic fields. The small size effect, large surface effect, and quantum tunnel effect demonstrate the unique properties of nanoparticles. It is necessary to study the techniques of nanoparticle preparation to meet the developments in nanotechnology and nanomaterials. In this section, we describe work carried out in our laboratory on the syntheses of several nanoparticles and nanocomposites and the study of their properties. 

In 2008, the ACTU joined a broad coalition of civil society, public interest, environmental and labor organizations concerned about various aspects of nanotechnology s human health, environmental, social, ethical, and other impacts by signing an international declaration called the Principles for the Oversight of Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials (NanoAction, 2007). By signing the declaration the ACTU committed to eight principles. 

Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations, 31 July 2007. Principles for the Oversight of Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials. . 

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