Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Sessions
January 30, 2025   09:00 AM GMT

2nd International webinar onNanoscience and Nanotechnology

Early Bird Registration End Date: Jan 17, 2025
Abstract Submission Opens: Dec 02, 2024

Sessions

Graphene

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, is a revolutionary material in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Known for its extraordinary properties, graphene exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, being 200 times stronger than steel, while remaining lightweight and flexible. It possesses remarkable electrical conductivity, making it a game-changer in developing faster and more efficient electronic devices. Graphene also has excellent thermal conductivity, which is beneficial for heat dissipation in electronic components. Its unique optical properties enable advancements in transparent and flexible displays. In energy storage, graphene is transforming batteries and supercapacitors, enhancing their capacity and charge rates. Its high surface area and chemical stability make it ideal for sensors and catalysis applications.

Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine, a groundbreaking application of nanoscience and nanotechnology, is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling precise and effective treatments. By using nanoscale materials and devices, it allows targeted drug delivery, minimizing side effects and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver drugs directly to diseased cells, improving efficiency in treating conditions like cancer. Nanomedicine is also advancing diagnostics with ultrasensitive biosensors capable of early disease detection. Nanoscale imaging techniques offer unprecedented clarity, aiding in accurate medical diagnoses.

2D Materials

2D materials, composed of a single layer of atoms, are at the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their unique properties and versatility. Graphene, the most well-known 2D material, has exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal properties. Beyond graphene, materials like transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS₂) exhibit semiconducting properties, ideal for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. 2D materials are highly tunable, allowing for innovative applications in flexible electronics, sensors, and energy storage systems like batteries and supercapacitors.

Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites, a class of advanced materials combining nanoscale fillers with a matrix material, are driving innovation in nanoscience and nanotechnology. These materials exhibit enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties compared to their traditional counterparts. The inclusion of nanoparticles, nanofibers, or nanotubes in polymers, metals, or ceramics leads to improved strength, toughness, and lightweight structures. Nanocomposites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries for creating durable and high-performance components.

Nanochemistry

Nanochemistry, a vital field within nanoscience and nanotechnology, focuses on the design, synthesis, and manipulation of nanoscale materials through chemical methods. It enables the precise control of material properties by altering size, shape, and surface chemistry at the atomic and molecular levels. Nanochemistry is fundamental to creating nanoparticles, nanostructures, and functionalized materials for diverse applications. In energy, it contributes to the development of efficient catalysts, solar cells, and advanced batteries.

Carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), cylindrical structures composed of rolled graphene sheets, are revolutionary materials in nanoscience and nanotechnology. With exceptional mechanical strength, CNTs are stronger than steel yet lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for advanced composites. Their remarkable electrical conductivity enables applications in nanoelectronics, such as transistors and conductive films. CNTs also exhibit excellent thermal conductivity, useful in heat management systems for electronics. In energy, they are utilized in batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells for improved efficiency and storage capacity.

Carbon nanodots

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are zero-dimensional nanomaterials composed primarily of carbon, exhibiting remarkable properties like high fluorescence, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. Due to their small size, they are highly effective in bioimaging, offering a non-toxic alternative to traditional fluorescent dyes. CNDs are also used in sensors for detecting various ions, molecules, and even pathogens, thanks to their excellent sensitivity. Their ability to be easily synthesized from renewable resources adds to their appeal in sustainable nanotechnology.

Nanoporous materials

Nanoporous materials, characterized by a highly porous structure at the nanoscale, are crucial in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their vast surface area and tunable pore sizes. These materials are highly effective in gas storage, separation, and adsorption applications, making them ideal for energy storage, carbon capture, and environmental cleanup. In catalysis, nanoporous materials offer enhanced reactivity by providing more active sites for chemical reactions. They are also used in drug delivery systems, where their porous nature allows for controlled and targeted release of therapeutics.

Tissue engineering

Tissue engineering, an interdisciplinary field within nanoscience and nanotechnology, focuses on developing biological tissues for medical applications. By using nanomaterials like nanofibers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, tissue engineering aims to create scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix, providing a supportive environment for cell growth. These scaffolds are engineered to promote tissue regeneration, making them critical in repairing damaged organs, bones, and cartilage. Nanotechnology enhances tissue engineering by enabling precise control over cell-material interactions, improving cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, nanostructures can be used to deliver growth factors or therapeutic agents, further boosting tissue regeneration.

Nanofabrication

Nanofabrication is a critical process in nanoscience and nanotechnology, involving the creation of structures, devices, and systems at the nanoscale. It enables the precise manipulation of materials to build components with unique properties, such as nanoelectronics, sensors, and biomedical devices. Techniques like electron beam lithography, nanoimprint lithography, and molecular beam epitaxy allow for the accurate deposition and patterning of nanomaterials. Nanofabrication is essential in developing integrated circuits, improving their miniaturization, speed, and energy efficiency. It also plays a key role in fabricating nanostructures for energy applications, including advanced batteries and solar cells. In biotechnology, nanofabrication enables the design of nanoscale biosensors for disease detection and monitoring.

Nanoplasmonics

Nanoplasmonics, a branch of nanoscience and nanotechnology, focuses on the study and application of plasmonic materials at the nanoscale, which exhibit unique optical properties due to interactions with light. These materials, often composed of noble metals like gold and silver, can support surface plasmon resonances, where free electrons oscillate in response to light, leading to enhanced light-matter interactions. Nanoplasmonics is crucial for applications in sensing, where plasmonic nanoparticles can detect small changes in their environment, such as biomolecular binding events. It also enables the development of highly sensitive biosensors, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring tools.

Nanofluids

Nanofluids are engineered colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in base fluids, such as water or oil, that enhance thermal conductivity and improve heat transfer properties. By incorporating nanoparticles like metals, oxides, or carbon-based materials, nanofluids offer superior thermal performance compared to conventional fluids. This makes them ideal for applications in cooling systems, such as heat exchangers, engines, and electronic devices, where efficient heat dissipation is critical. Nanofluids are also used in energy systems, including solar thermal collectors, to enhance heat absorption and conversion efficiency.

Nanoencapsulation

Nanoencapsulation is a process in nanoscience and nanotechnology that involves enclosing active substances, such as drugs, nutrients, or bioactive compounds, within nanoscale carriers. These carriers, often made from materials like lipids, polymers, or silica, protect the encapsulated substances from degradation and control their release. In drug delivery, nanoencapsulation enables targeted therapy, allowing drugs to be released at specific sites in the body, enhancing effectiveness and reducing side effects. It also improves the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds, making them more effective in medical treatments. Nanoencapsulation is used in the food and beverage industry to preserve flavors, nutrients, and antioxidants, extending shelf life while maintaining product quality.

Nanosensors

Nanosensors are devices that utilize nanotechnology to detect and measure physical, chemical, or biological changes at the nanoscale. Due to their small size and high surface area, nanosensors offer exceptional sensitivity, enabling the detection of minute concentrations of substances. In healthcare, nanosensors are used for early disease diagnosis, detecting biomarkers or pathogens at very low levels, and enabling personalized medicine. They are widely employed in environmental monitoring to detect pollutants, toxins, or hazardous chemicals in air, water, and soil. Nanosensors also play a critical role in food safety, detecting contaminants and ensuring quality control. In industrial applications, they are used for real-time monitoring of processes, such as temperature, pressure, or chemical reactions, improving efficiency and safety.

Nanophotonics

Nanophotonics is the study and application of light at the nanoscale, focusing on the interaction between photons and nanomaterials. By manipulating light at the nanometer level, nanophotonics enables the development of advanced optical devices with unprecedented capabilities. It plays a key role in improving the performance of photonic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, and lasers, by enhancing their efficiency and miniaturization. Nanophotonic materials, including plasmonics and metamaterials, allow for the control of light propagation, leading to innovations in imaging, sensing, and communications

Metamaterials

Metamaterials are artificial materials engineered to have properties not found in naturally occurring substances, achieved by structuring them at the nanoscale. These materials exhibit unique electromagnetic, acoustic, or mechanical properties, such as negative refraction, which enable revolutionary applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology. In optics, metamaterials can control light in ways that traditional materials cannot, leading to advancements in superlenses, invisibility cloaks, and optical cloaking devices. They are pivotal in the development of advanced antennas, enabling faster and more efficient communication technologies.

Nano-coatings

Nano-coatings are thin layers of nanomaterials applied to surfaces to enhance their properties, offering significant improvements in durability, corrosion resistance, and functionality. These coatings can be applied to a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, to provide protection from wear, scratches, and chemical degradation. Nano-coatings also exhibit self-cleaning properties due to their hydrophobic or superhydrophobic nature, which prevents the accumulation of dirt and water droplets. In electronics, nano-coatings are used to protect sensitive components from moisture, dust, and corrosion, extending their lifespan.

Latest News

Prototype sunscreen uses TiO? nanoparticles to cool skin while blocking UV rays

2024-12-19 - 2024-12

Wearing sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation but doesn't cool people off. However, a new formula, described in Nano Letters, protects against both UV light and heat from the sun using radiative cooling. The prototype sunblock kept human skin up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) cooler than bare skin, or around 6 °F (3 °C) cooler than existing sunscreens.


Advancing Light Control: New Opportunities for Metasurfaces in Optoelectronics

2024-12-20 - 2024-12

A global review has highlighted the potential of integrating metasurfaces—thin planar arrays of nanostructures—into optoelectronic devices. This integration could transform technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, and solar cells by enabling precise control over light at the nanoscale.


Nanotechnology discovery unlocks unique molecular interactions using light

2024-12-28 - 2024-12

Researchers at the University of Bologna, led by Prof. Alberto Credi, have developed an innovative method to manipulate molecular assembly using light energy. This approach allows for the creation of a molecular configuration that defies the natural thermodynamic equilibrium, a feat previously considered unattainable.
"We have shown that by administering light energy to an aqueous solution, a molecular self-assembly reaction can be prevented from reaching a thermodynamic minimum, resulting in a product distribution that does not correspond to that observed at equilibrium," says Alberto Credi.

"Such a behavior, which is at the root of many functions in living organisms, is poorly explored in artificial molecules because it is very difficult to plan and observe. The simplicity and versatility of our approach, together with the fact that visible light - i.e., sunlight - is a clean and sustainable energy source, allow us to foresee developments in various areas of technology and medicine."


A New Frontier in Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology relies heavily on the self-assembly of molecular components to form nanometer-scale systems and materials. Typically, these processes strive for a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, or minimum energy. However, living organisms rely on chemical processes that occur outside equilibrium, sustained by external energy. Reproducing these complex mechanisms in artificial systems could open doors to revolutionary applications such as smart drugs and responsive materials.


Graphene, the programmed revolution in electronics, is it coming soon?

2024-12-28 - 2024-12

Graphene is globally renowned for its remarkable properties, whether mechanical, thermal, or electrical. Its perfect honeycomb structure composed of carbon atoms is why graphene excels in many fields. Its morphology—formed as a sheet only about one atom thick—allows it to belong to the family of 2D materials.

Since its discovery, industries have intensified research on the material. Various applications have emerged, particularly by harnessing graphene's electrical performance. Several sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications, are being targeted.
Graphene is prized not only for its status as a champion of electrical conductivity but also for its low density and flexibility. These properties have earned it a place in the exclusive club of materials used in the aerospace sector.

Lightning strikes and ice accumulation on the fuselage are common challenges faced when airplanes are at high altitudes. The impact of lightning on a non-conductive surface can cause severe damage, even leading to the aircraft catching fire. Adding graphene, thanks to its high electrical conductivity, helps dissipate this high-energy current. Aircraft are designed in such a way as to channel the current as far away as possible from high-risk areas, such as fuel tanks or control cables, to avoid losing control of the aircraft or even explosion.


Nanomaterials Market Poised to Hit USD 68.87 Billion by 2032, Growing at a Robust CAGR of 14%

2025-01-06 - 2025-01

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The Global Nanomaterials Market is poised for remarkable growth, driven by advancements in technology, rising demand across diverse industries, and the increasing adoption of sustainable and high-performance materials. The market, valued at USD 24.14 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 68.87 billion by 2030, expanding at a robust CAGR of 14% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

This press release delves into growth opportunities, regional trends, mergers and acquisitions, and recent developments in key regions such as Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the US, and Europe.



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Vietnam is witnessing increased adoption of nanomaterials in electronics and construction sectors. Major players such as BASF SE are investing in the region to establish manufacturing units. The government's focus on enhancing infrastructure development and promoting advanced materials has created significant growth opportunities for nanomaterial suppliers.

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Thailand's market is driven by the growing use of nanomaterials in healthcare and automotive applications. Recent collaborations, such as 3M's partnership with local distributors, have enhanced market accessibility. Thailand's robust automotive industry is leveraging nanomaterials for lightweight and energy-efficient solutions, marking it as a key growth region.

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Japan remains a leader in nanomaterial innovation, with extensive R&D activities spearheaded by companies like Showa Denko K.K. and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.. Recent advancements include the development of high-performance graphene-based nanomaterials for electronics. Japan's focus on eco-friendly technologies is shaping trends in the nanomaterials market.

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South Korea's nanomaterials market is thriving due to increasing demand in semiconductors and energy storage applications. Companies like LG Chem and Samsung SDI are leading the market, with rece


Using XRD for Structural Analysis in Nanomaterials

2025-01-03 - 2025-01

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials by measuring how X-rays scatter. It provides key information about a material's phases, crystalline structure, average crystallite size, strain, orientation, texture, and defects.1 XRD is widely applied in nanomaterial science for structural characterization.

Principle of XRD
XRD works by directing X-rays onto a crystalline material and analyzing the angles and intensities of the diffracted beams. The atomic planes within the crystal act as a three-dimensional grating, scattering the X-rays in specific directions. This scattering produces a unique diffraction pattern consisting of intense spots known as Von Laue or Bragg diffraction spots.1-2

The diffraction pattern provides crucial structural information, including the material's symmetry, orientation, and phase. The relationship between the incident X-rays and the atomic planes is governed by Bragg’s Law, expressed as:

2d sin? = n?

Where:

n is an integer representing the diffraction order.
? is the wavelength of the incident X-rays.
d is the interplanar spacing in the crystal.
? is the angle of incidence of the X-rays.
When the conditions of Bragg’s Law are satisfied, constructive interference occurs, producing the diffraction peaks observed in the XRD pattern. By analyzing these peaks, the interplanar spacing d can be calculated, providing insight into the crystal structure.1-2

An XRD diffractogram represents the intensity of diffracted X-rays as a function of the diffraction angle 2?. Each peak corresponds to a specific set of crystallographic planes, allowing researchers to identify the crystal structure and phase composition by comparing the pattern to reference databases such as the International Crystallographic Diffraction Data (ICDD).2

In addition to phase identification, XRD can measure lattice parameters and detect crystal imperfections, including strain, dislocations, and stacking faults.2 These insights are important for analyzing the structural properties of crystalline materials, establishing XRD as a widely used tool in nanomaterial science.


Successfully Developed a Method for Doping Semiconductor Nanocrystals, Synthesizing Next-Generation Semiconductor Nanomaterials from the Seed Phase to the Future!

2025-01-06 - 2025-01

Professor Jiwoong Yang and his research team at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST; President Kunwoo Lee) successfully developed a new technology to control doping at the nucleus (seed) phase to increase the performance of semiconductor nanocrystals. This study was conducted in collaboration with a research team led by Stefan Ringe at the Department of Chemistry, Korea University (Dongwon Kim). The research uncovered how the doping process and location differ depending on the type of doping element (dopant). The developed technology is expected to be widely utilized in advanced electronic devices, such as displays and transistors.



? With the rapid development of advanced technologies in recent years, such as displays and transistors, interest in technologies that can precisely control doping in nanoscale semiconductors is growing. In particular, II-VI semiconductor-based nanocrystals have been widely studied owing to their outstanding optical and electrical properties.



? While doping plays a critical role in semiconductor technology, the problem of low doping efficiency in small semiconductors, such as nanocrystals, remains. This problem arises because dopants tend to be absorbed onto the surface of a semiconductor during its growth and do not penetrate its interior effectively. In this context, Professor Yang’s research team developed a controlled nucleation doping method, which induces doping at the “nanocluster” phase, a stage preceding nanocrystal growth. Using this technique, the team successfully implemented stable and precise doping in ZnSe semiconductor nanocrystals and identified the reasons behind the variations in doping processes and locations depending on the dopant type.



? Although previous studies on doping II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals have mainly used CdSe, a heavy metal, Cd is harmful to the environment and has poor stability. This study developed a technology applicable to nanocrystals that eliminates the use of heavy metals, demonstrating its potential for practical applications while also addressing environmental concerns. In addition, the study demonstrated the technology’s applicability across various electronic devices, such as displays and transistors.



? Professor Yang said, “This research has enabled us to systematically establish doping control technology in nanocrystals. The findings will not only serve as important foundational data for designing and fabricating optoelectronic devices, such as next-generation displays and transistors, but also open up new possibilities for designing innovative devices through precise doping control technology.”



? The study was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Excellent New Research Project, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s Korea-US International Joint Technology Development Project, and the DGIST Sensorium Institute. The findings were publ


Pioneers in nanotechnology in Milestones in the development of nanotechnology

2025-01-06 - 2025-01



A number of key technological milestones have been achieved by working pioneers. Molecular beam epitaxy, invented by Alfred Cho and John Arthur at Bell Labs in 1968 and developed in the 1970s, enabled the controlled deposition of single atomic layers. This tool provided for nanostructuring in one dimension as atomic layers were grown one upon the next. It subsequently became important in the area of compound semiconductor device fabrication. For example, sandwiching one-nanometre-thick layers of nonmagnetic-sensor materials between magnetic layers in computer disk drives resulted in large increases in storage capacity, and a similar use of nanostructuring resulted in more energy-efficient semiconductor lasers for use in compact disc players.

In 1981 Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer developed the scanning tunneling microscope at IBM’s laboratories in Switzerland. This tool provided a revolutionary advance by enabling scientists to image the position of individual atoms on surfaces. It earned Binnig and Rohrer a Nobel Prize in 1986 and spawned a wide variety of scanning probe tools for nanoscale observations.

structure of buckminsterfullerene
structure of buckminsterfullereneThe structure of buckminsterfullerene (C60).
The observation of new carbon structures marked another important milestone in the advance of nanotechnology, with Nobel Prizes for the discoverers. In 1985 Robert F. Curl, Jr., Harold W. Kroto, and Richard E. Smalley discovered the first fullerene, the third known form of pure carbon (after diamond and graphite). They named their discovery buckminsterfullerene (“buckyball”) for its resemblance to the geodesic domes promoted by the American architect R. Buckminster Fuller. Technically called C60 for the 60 carbon atoms that form their hollow spherical structure, buckyballs resemble a football one nanometre in diameter (see figure). In 1991 Sumio Iijima of NEC Corporation in Japan discovered carbon nanotubes, in which the carbon ringlike structures are extended from spheres into long tubes of varying diameter. Taken together, these new structures surprised and excited the imaginations of scientists about the possibilities of forming well-defined nanostructures with unexpected new properties.

The scanning tunneling microscope not only allowed for the imaging of atoms by scanning a sharp probe tip over a surface, but it also allowed atoms to be “pushed” around on the surface. With a slight bias voltage applied to the probe tip, certain atoms could be made to adhere to the tip used for imaging and then to be released from it. Thus, in 1990 Donald Eigler spelled out the letters of his company’s logo, IBM, by moving 35 xenon atoms into place on a nickel surface. This demonstration caught the public’s attention because it showed the precision of the emerging nanoscale tools.


Carbon dioxide converted into carbon nanotube-based 3D printer ink

2025-01-07 - 2025-01

A new process converts carbon dioxide into carbon nanotubes before 3D printing them into high-density carbon nanocomposites. These strong and lightweight composite materials have potential applications in transport and construction.

A scanning electron microscopy image of the carbon nanotubes produced by the new system

The system was developed by a team led by Kelvin Fu from the University of Delaware and Feng Jiao from Washington University, both US. Electrolysis first reduces the carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide. This is then channelled into a thermochemical reactor where a steel wool catalyst converts it into carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes are then used in a 3D-printing process to create high-quality thermoset carbon nanocomposites.


Tissue Engineering Market is expected to reach USD 1.7 billion by 2031, with growth at a CAGR of 4.8% - Zimmer Biomet, Stryker Corporation, 3D BioFibR Inc.

2025-01-08 - 2025-01

Tissue Engineering Market analysis, according to DataM Intelligence, offers more than just an overview; it investigates the underlying aspects of the sector. The study provides an overview, the research explores the hidden aspects of the sector, breaking down its intricate dynamics, charting regional dominance, spotting demand patterns, and spotting prospective breakthroughs that could influence how businesses operate in the future.

Will the Tissue Engineering market emerge as the sector's next great thing? To discover the answer, look at the Tissue Engineering market analysis and projections. In-depth insight of the opportunities, difficulties, and trends now impacting the landscape is provided by this market research study, empowering industry participants to make informed decisions in a changing environment. Take advantage of the opportunity


Sustainable Future for Carbon Nanotubes

2025-01-15 - 2025-01


This finding positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials such as metals, polymers, and larger carbon fibers, which are challenging to recycle.

Recycling has long been a challenge in the materials industry—metals recycling is often inefficient and energy intensive, polymers tend to lose their properties after reprocessing, and carbon fibers cannot be recycled at all, only downcycled by chopping them up into short pieces.

Matteo Pasquali, A.J. Hartsook Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and NanoEngineering and Chemistry, Rice University

He added, “As CNT fibers are being scaled up, we asked whether and how these new materials could be recycled in the future so as to proactively avoid waste management problems that emerged as other engineered materials reached large-scale use. We expected that recycling would be difficult and would lead to significant loss of properties. Surprisingly, we found that carbon nanotube fibers far exceed the recyclability potential of existing engineered materials, offering a solution to a major environmental issue.”

Using chlorosulfonic acid, a common industrial solvent, the team dissolved fiber-grade commercial CNTs to produce solution-spun CNT fibers. Evaluating the impact of different material sources on the fiber manufacturing process and fiber properties was important, as end-of-life recycling often involves combining materials from various manufacturers using different production methods.


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