Applications of Nanomaterials

Nanochemistry has already contributed to a large number of innovative products across many different disciplines, thanks to the unique physical, chemical, optical, structural and catalytic properties nanoscale materials display (Section 16.6). Four representative applications are given. (a) Nanoparticles can contribute to stronger, lighter, cleaner and smarter surfaces and systems; concrete products built on this include scratch-proof eyeglasses, improved transport materials, sunscreen (Section 16.6.1), and crack-resistant paints. (b) Nanomaterials are used in electronic devices, with Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) given as the chapter's specific example -- a memory technology that stores data using magnetic states rather than electric charge. (c) Nanotechnology plays an important role in water purification. Waterborne pathogens such as viruses and bacteria contaminate water supplies worldwide, and roughly 1.1 billion people lack access to an improved water supply, making the provision of safe drinking water a high global priority; cost-effective filter materials coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an emerging alternative water-purification technology (used, for example, in water purifiers), because silver nanoparticles act as a highly effective bacterial disinfectant, capable of removing E. coli from water. (d) Self-cleaning materials, illustrated by the lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera): although the lotus grows rooted in muddy water, its leaves always appear clean, because the leaves are superhydrophobic -- nanostru …