Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the understanding and controlling of matter at sizes of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers. Using nanoscale science, phenomenal engineering, technological, medical, chemical, and informational feats are possible (1). However, the applications of nanotechnology do not stop there. As a Finance major, I feel it is extremely important to understand the current and immense future economical possibilities this technology presents. Although it will cause a bang in the market, the more important role it plays is the facilitation and miniaturization of the tasks we perform daily and rely on to survive.

Nanotechnology is essentially “an extension of existing sciences”, only at a much smaller, nano, scale. Nanotechnology only deals with matter at a size of approximately 1 to 100 nanometers (human hair is nearly 80,000 nanometers thick) (2). It covers a whole range of various developments. Although it contributes to many areas of science, chemistry may play the most important role to its use and development.

Chemists are involved in nanotechnology through their work in the making of organic and inorganic nanomaterials for their use in nanodevices.