THE nanotechnology it consists of the studies and manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. The name given to this new technology derives from the term nanometer, which corresponds to one billionth of a meter (0.000000001 m), and was defined by the Scientific University of Tokyo, in 1974.
The advance of nanotechnology occurred from the development of Scanning Electron Microscope(MEV), in 1981, in Switzerland. This microscope has a much greater magnification capability than optical microscopes. It consists of an extremely fine needle, formed by few atoms, which performs the scanning a surface at a distance of one nanometer. During this scan, electrons tunnel from the needle to the surface, creating a tunneling current, which is used by a computer to create an extremely enlarged image of that surface, making its atoms.
By making it possible to visualize the atomic relief of a surface, this microscope also enabled the creation of a series of instruments to visualize and manipulate materials at scale atomic.
What is the importance of nanotechnology studies?
Matter on a nanometric scale has different properties from macroscopic materials. On this scale, the principles of Classical Physics are no longer valid, but those of Modern Physics, which considers the wave-particle duality and Quantum Physics. Small changes in the structure of matter can lead to significant changes in its physical and chemical characteristics.
Currently, nanotechnology is present in several research areas, such as Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Medicine, Science of Computing, Biology and Engineering, and has allowed the development of new materials and techniques much more efficient than those already acquaintances. See some examples:
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Cosmetics industry: Nanoparticles can be used for different purposes, such as filling wrinkles, makeup, sunscreen etc. The benefits of nanotechnology in this area are due to the better penetration of the ingredients into the skin or hair. After all, if particles are smaller, they can reach deeper points.
Computing: on electronic processors, which can be as small as 45nm. These devices have advanced technology and can work at very high speeds. Furthermore, the storage capacity of these materials is much greater.
Medicine: In the imaging diagnosis of the magnetic resonance, in which the images are obtained by the interaction between the magnetic field produced by the device and the magnetic moment of the proton in the nucleus of hydrogen atoms.
Risks of nanotechnology
Although research in the field of nanotechnology aims to provide an improvement in quality of people's lives, this science also has a very large potential to be harmful to the environment. environment.
The minimal size of nanoparticles facilitates their dispersion in the atmosphere, water and soil. Its removal becomes practically impossible by filtration techniques. Furthermore, the smaller a particle, the more reactive it is, and it can also develop new properties that can make it harmful.
By Mariane Mendes
Graduated in Physics
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
TEIXEIRA, Mariane Mendes. "Physics and Nanotechnology"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/fisica/fisica-nanotecnologia.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
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