- The design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlled manipulation of size and shape at the nanometer scale (atomic, molecular, and macromolecular scale) that produces structures, devices, and systems with at least one novel/superior characteristic or property.
- Applications:
- Medicine: Nano particles the size of molecules are being used to directly deliver the drug to the diseases part of the body.
- Electronics: increases the capabilities of electronic goods while reducing their weight and power consumption. Nanomagnets are used like switches, some lasers use a nanopatterned silicon surface that helps produce the light with much tighter frequency control than previously achieved.
- Solar cells: Nanotech solar cells can be manufactured at significantly lower costs than conventional solar cells.
- Space travel: Advancements in nanomaterials make lightweight spacecraft and a cable for the space elevator possible. By significantly reducing the amount of rocket fuel required, these advances could lower the cost of reaching orbit and traveling in space.
- It also finds applications in robotics, fuels, food, chemical sensors, sporting equipment, and fabrics.