Nanotechnology Information Center

Nanotechnology is a catch-all phrase for materials and devices that operate at the nanoscale. In the metric system of measurement, “Nano” equals a billionth and therefore a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. References to nano materials, nanoelectronics, nano devices, nanofabrics, nanogels and nanopowders simply mean the material or activity can be measured in nanometers. To appreciate the size, a human red blood cell is over 2,000 nanometers long, virtually outside the nanoscale range!

Carbon Nanotubes are Single-Walled, Double Walled and Multi-Walled black nano scale cylindrical tubes of graphitic carbon with numerous applications. Carbon Nanotubes are the stiffest and strongest known fibers and have unique electrical properties. Applications for AE Carbon Nanotubes™ include in flat screen displays, scanning probe microscopes in brushes for commercial electric motors, and in sensing devices and because of their strength in numerous aerospace and automotive uses, in body armor and tear-resistant cloth fibers and textiles and stronger and lighter sports equipment . Carbon nanotubes can behave like a conductive metallic or semiconductor depending on their structure, which is useful for nanoscale electronic devices and in electrically conductive films in coatings, plastics, nanowire, nanofiber and in certain bioscience applications. Recently, carbon nanotubes have been demonstrated to create the "darkest" known material absorbing all wavelengths or "colors" of light which will prove useful in solar and electronic applications.
Smart Yarns. Advances in carbon nanotube technologies are driving the generation of a new class of materials that cross the biomedical, textiles and electronics industries. From clothing to artificial muscles, it appears there is no end to the applications for this new generation of smart materials. Carbon nanotubes have the potential to radically change electronics and are among the most likely candidates for miniaturising electronic components beyond the micro-scale. But before nanotube circuits can be built, scientists first need to perfect the technology for attaching and welding nanotubes together.
Graphene is a flat one-atom thick sheet of sp2 carbon atoms densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice structure. It is the basic structural element for graphite, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes.Graphene samples are available as nanoflakes on Si/SiO2 substrate wafers. Each layer is monoatomically thin with a thickness of ~0.34nm, though it is possible to produce multi-layered flakes.Using microscopic imagery, one can easily find the flakes and process them using microelectronic fabrications techniques.
Graphene is the first example of truly two-dimensional crystals, giving it novel electronic and mechanical properties. Because of its high electronic mobility, structural flexibility, and capability of being tuned from p-type to n-type doping by the application of a gate voltage, graphene is considered a potential breakthrough in terms of carbon-based nano-electronics. Research into applications for carbon graphene nanosheets has focused on uses as platforms for next-wave microchips, active materials in field emitter arrays for flat panel screen displays, in biological sensors and medical imaging devices, in solar energy cells, and in high-surface area electrodes for use in bio-science. Graphene is a possible replacement material where carbon nanotubes are presently used.
Silicon Nanoparticles have been shown to dramatically expand the storage capacity of lithium ion batteries without degrading the silicon during the expansion/contraction cycle that occurs as power is charged and discharged. Silicon has long been known to have an excellent affinity for storage of positively charged lithium cations making them ideal candidates for next generation lithium ion batteries. However, the quick degradation of silicon storage units has made them commercially unfeasible for most applications. Silicon Nanowires however, cycle without significant degradation and present the potential for use in batteries with greatly expanded storage times.Carbon Nanohorns provide a unique combination of strength, electrical conductivity, high surface area and open gas paths making them an ideal next generation electrode for various fuel cell applications.

Nanotechnology is playing an increasing role in solving the world energy crisis. Platinum nanoparticles produced and marketed under the trade name P-Mite are ideal candidates as a novel technology for low platinum automotive catalysts and for single-nanotechnology research. Lanthanum Nanoparticles, Cerium nanoparticles, Strontium Carbonate Nanoparticles, Manganese Nanoparticles, Manganese Oxide Nanopowder, Nickel Oxide Nanopowder and several other nanoparticles are finding application in the development of small cost-effective Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). And Platinum Nanoparticlesare being used to develop small Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM). Lithium Nanoparticles, Lithium Titanate Nanoparticles and tantalum nanoparticles will be found in next generation lithium ion batteries. Ultra high purity Silicon Nanoparticles are being used in new forms of solar energy cells. Thin film deposition of Silicon Nanoparticle quantum dots on the polycrystalline silicon substrate of a photovoltaic (solar) cell increases voltage output as much as 60% by fluorescing the incoming light prior to capture.

Nanoscale Z-MITE™ ZnO is being used for its UV absorbing properties to create transparent sunscreen. The particles' small size makes them invisible to the naked eye, so the lotion is clear. At American Elements, we produce nanoscale oxides for a wide variety of applications. For detailed product information on the uses and applications of Z-MITE™, see Z-MITE™ PRODUCT INFORMATION. Z-MITE™ Zinc Oxide nanoparticles , zinc nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles , are used for many applications, including as an anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-biotic and anti-fungal agents when incorporated in coatings, fibers, polymers, first aid bandages, plastics, soap and textiles.

Nanotechnology is expected to have an impact on nearly every industry. The U.S. National Science Foundation has predicted that the global market for nanotechnologies will reach $1 trillion or more within 20 years. The research community is actively pursuing hundreds of applications in nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and bionanotechnology. Most near term (1-5 years) applications of nanotechnology are in the form of nanomaterials. These include materials such as lighter and stronger nanocomposites, antibacterial nanoparticles, and nanostructured catalysts. Nanodevices and nanoelectronics are farther off, perhaps 5-15 years, and will have applications in medical treatments and diagnostics, faster computers, and in sensors.

We are actively involved in pursuing promising research to develop equipment and procedures to manipulate single atoms or molecules with the goal of establishing a new class of man-made atomic structures constructed one molecule at a time. In addition, we support the industrial and academic research efforts by supplying the ultra-pure, advanced materials required to perform nanotechnology research.

Numerous articles have recently been published warning of the dangers presented by unregulated nanotechnologies. The most fantastic of which is the threat of Gray Goo, a hypothesized substance resulting from the runaway dissolution of the earth by self-replicating nanobots. While many of these concerns seem less science than science fiction, the very scale range of these materials do present safety and environmental issues that should be addressed responsibly by industry at least in the same manner as fine particulate materials are currently handled under existing health and safety guidelines.