Nanomaterials (Copy)

Nanometer (nm)

One thousand millionth of a meter.

Nanoscale

The scale from 100nm down to the size of atoms (approximately 0.2nm) where the properties of materials can be very different from those at a larger scale.

Nanoscience

The study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular, and macromolecular scales, where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale.

Nanotechnologies

The design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanometer scale.

Nanomaterials

Chemical substances or materials that are manufactured and used at a very small scale, exhibiting novel characteristics compared to the same material without nanoscale features.

ISO (2015)

The International Organization for Standardization, which defines a nanomaterial as a material with any external dimension in the nanoscale (size range from approximately 1 – 100 nm) or having internal structure or surface structure in the nanoscale.

European Commission

The governing body of the European Union, which released a specific recommendation on the definition of a nanomaterial in 2011.

Incidental nanomaterials

Nanomaterials that are naturally occurring or generated as unintentional by-products of combustion processes.

Engineered nanomaterials

Nanomaterials that are intentionally produced and designed with physico-chemical properties for a specific purpose or function.

Nanotechnology

Science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers.

Richard Feynman

Physicist known as the father of nanotechnology, who gave a talk in 1959 describing the manipulation and control of individual atoms and molecules.

"Plenty of Room at the Bottom"

The title of Richard Feynman's talk that laid the foundation for the concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology

The field of science and technology that deals with manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale.

Scanning tunneling microscope (STM)

A microscope that allows scientists to view and manipulate nanoscale particles, atoms, and small molecules.

Atomic force microscope (AFM)

A microscope that gathers information by "feeling" the surface with a mechanical probe.

Nanoparticles

Small particles with dimensions in the nanometer range.

Surface area

The total area of the surface of a material.

Micrometer

One millionth of a meter.

Nanometer

One billionth of a meter.

Miniaturization

The trend towards smaller and smaller structures.

Nanostructures

Structures that have dimensions in the nanometer range.

High surface area materials

Materials that have a large surface area compared to their volume.

Pores

Empty spaces or cavities within a material.

Zeolites

Microporous materials used for adsorption and catalysis.

Inorganic oxides

Compounds composed of oxygen and one or more other elements, excluding carbon.

Porous carbons

Carbon materials with a high number of pores.

Amorphous silicas

Silica materials that lack a crystalline structure.

Catalysis

The process of promoting reactions with high selectivity and yield.

Nanoparticle synthesis

The creation of nanoparticles through a specific method or process.

Assembly

The act of putting together or arranging nanoparticles to form a larger structure.

Energy efficiency

The ability to perform a task or process with minimal energy consumption.

Single electron devices

Devices that operate based on the behavior of individual electrons.

Materials properties

Characteristics of materials that determine their behavior and performance.

Separations science

The study of techniques and materials used to separate different components of a mixture.

Pore sizes

The size of the openings or channels in a material, which can affect its ability to store or separate substances.

Surface area

The total area of the exposed surfaces of a material.

Nanoscale constituents

The individual components or particles that make up a material at the nanoscale level.

Molecular replication technologies

Techniques used to create copies or replicas of molecules on a large scale.

Nanoscale dimensions

The size range of particles or structures in the nanometer scale (typically less than 100-200 atoms).

Atomic ionization potential

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Bulk work function

The minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a solid material.

Quantum behavior

The behavior of particles or systems at the atomic or subatomic level, governed by the principles of quantum mechanics.

Macroscopic behavior

The behavior of materials or systems at a larger, visible scale.

Diffusivity

The ability of molecules to move or spread out in a material.

Molecular sieving materials

Materials with small pores or channels that selectively allow certain molecules to pass through.

Catalysts

Substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Nanometer size range

The size range of particles or structures in the nanometer scale (typically in the range of a few to a few hundred nanometers).