Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies: Approaching the Crest of this Big Wave

Vuk      Uskokovic

doi:10.2174/157341308784340903

Abstract

Nanomaterials are typically considered as solid physical structures that comprise grain boundaries at the resolution of less than 100 nanometers, whereby nanotechnologies are depicted as dealing with the design of various applications based on employing the former. Some of the essential features of nanomaterials and the scientific approaches to their investigation are discussed in the course of this work. The real reason for the current scientific and technological interest in the physical effects at nanoscale is linked with the historic trend of refinement of human knowledge and of the corresponding ability to manipulate with the structural patterns of the Universe. Interesting novel properties of nanomaterials are presented as resulting from the interplay between the surface properties and quantum effects at nanoscale. Examples of peculiar combination properties that materials can exhibit with the transition to nanosized form are mentioned, with a particular emphasis on the nanoscopic aggregates of water molecules. Specific challenges tied with the further growth of the field, including the prospectives of functional superstructuring, biomimicry, green chemistry, and the interdisciplinary approach to research, are eventually outlined.