Nanotechnology

Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope
Nano spelled in metal type

Nanotechnology is the industrial use of atoms and molecules to design, engineer, and implement products and devices smaller than 100 nanometers in size.

It is applied across many fields, including bio-medical engineering, energy storage, semiconductor production, organic chemistry, and more. Nanotechnology has a wide variety of uses, from hardening golf and bowling balls to making socks more durable and cooler when it's hot outside.

Tip

When working on technology with elements that are smaller than a nanometer, it's called picotechnology.

Additional applications

Here are several examples of nanotechnology in action.

  • Carbon nanotubes - Tiny tubes (between 0.5 and 2 nanometers in diameter) that are utilized to create high-strength fabrics and structural materials used in bicycles, wind turbines, skis, and baseball bats.
  • Graphene - Carbon material that is lighter than aluminum, stronger than steel, and nearly transparent.
  • Gecko tape - Double-sided adhesive tape used to hang lighter items that won't leave holes or residue when removed and can withstand very high temperatures.

Hardware terms, Nano, Technology