Some advances and prospects in Nanotechnology: A review

Abstract

This study surveys controlled manipulation and manufacture of materials and devices at extremely small scale termed nanotechnology. The profound impact of the applications of nanoscale materials ranging from 1-lOOnm, on information technology, electronic and optoelectronic devices, medicine, environment and human life are highlighted. The attainment of these unique capabilities by nanomaterials due to their novel characteristics and properties such as preponderance of large surface to volume ratios and quantum effects as manifested in quantum dots, quantum wells, atomic and magnetic clusters and leading to high efficiency lasers with specific wavelengths, materials of exceptional strengths and other novel effects are examined. A holistic discourse of Nanotechnology encompassing its conceptual, developmental and practical and application stages are also presented. The benefits, challenges and implications of this emerging revolution of miniaturized technology are evidently intriguing. © Medwell Journals, 2011.