Nanomaterials
The conceptof nanotechnology was first given by renowned physicist Richard
Feynman in 1959 and earned Nobel Prize.
Nanotechnology involves designing and producing objects at nanoscale size (~1 to
100 nm). One nanometer is one billionth (10–9) of a metre.
Nanomaterials are materials that have at least one dimension in the size range of
1–100 nanometers and exhibit unique size-dependent physical, chemical, and
biological properties different from their bulk materials.
Nanomaterials are one of the main products of nanotechnology as nanoparticles,
nanotubes, nanorods, etc.
Classification based onOrigin
Nanomaterials can be broadly classified based on their origin into Natural
nanomaterials and Artificial nanomaterials.
This classification is important to understand their formation, properties,
safety and applications.
5.
Natural Nanomaterials
Naturalnanomaterials are formed naturally without human intervention through biological,
geological, or environmental processes. These nanostructures have existed long before the
development of nanotechnology.
Sources of Natural Nanomaterials
a) Biological Sources
Nanostructures produced by living organisms.
Examples: Proteins (enzymes, antibodies), DNA and RNA, Viruses (20–300 nm),Cell
membranes, Ferritin (iron-storage protein)
6.
Natural Nanomaterials
b)Geological Sources
Nanomaterials formed through natural geological processes.
Examples: Clay minerals, Silica nanoparticles, Volcanic ash,
Natural metal oxides.
c) Environmental / Atmospheric Sources
Produced naturally in the environment.
Examples: Sea spray aerosols
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Natural Nanomaterials
Characteristicsof Natural Nanomaterials
Biocompatible and biodegradable
Low toxicity
Stable under physiological conditions
Well-adapted to biological systems
Applications
Drug delivery (protein-based nanoparticles)
Biosensors
Environmental remediation
Biomedical research
8.
Artificial Nanomaterials
Artificialor Engineered nanomaterials are intentionally designed and
synthesized by humans using physical, chemical, or biological methods to
achieve specific properties and functions.
9.
Artificial Nanomaterials
a) Carbon-BasedNanomaterials
Examples: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Graphene, Fullerenes
Applications: Electronics, Energy storage, Sensors
b) Metal Nanomaterials
Examples: Gold nanoparticles, Silver nanoparticles, Iron nanoparticles
Applications: Antimicrobial agents, Medical imaging ,Catalysis
10.
Artificial Nanomaterials
c) MetalOxide Nanomaterials
Examples: Titanium dioxide (TiO ),Zinc oxide (ZnO), Iron oxide (Fe O )
₂ ₃ ₄
Applications: Sunscreens, Food packaging, Environmental cleanup
d) Polymeric Nanomaterials
Examples: Dendrimers, Nanocapsules, Nanogels
Applications: Drug delivery, Controlled release systems
11.
Artificial Nanomaterials
Characteristics ofArtificial Nanomaterials
Tailor-made size and shape
High surface reactivity
Enhanced mechanical and optical properties
May pose toxicity risks if not regulated
Applications
Nanomedicine
Food technology
Cosmetics
Electronics
Agriculture
Environmental protection
12.
Classification of NanomaterialsBased
on Dimensions
Zero-Dimensional (0D) Nanomaterials
Zero-dimensional nanomaterials are those in which all three dimensions, namely Lx
(length along X-axis), Ly (length along Y-axis), and Lz (length along Z-axis), are in the
nanoscopic range (1–100 nm). These materials are usually spherical or nearly spherical
in shape and exhibit quantum confinement effects.
Examples: Quantum dots, metallic nanoclusters, nanospheres, nanocubes, nanorods.
One-Dimensional (1D) Nanomaterials
In one-dimensional nanomaterials, two dimensions are in the nanoscopic range, while
one dimension extends beyond the nanoscale. These materials have a high aspect
ratio and show excellent electrical and mechanical properties.
Examples: Nanowires, nanotubes, nanofibers.
13.
Classification of NanomaterialsBased
on Dimensions
Two-Dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials
Two-dimensional nanomaterials are characterized by one dimension in the
nanoscopic range, while the other two dimensions are outside the nanoscale.
They generally exist as thin layers or sheets.
Examples: Nanofilms, nanosheets, nano-coatings, graphene.
Three-Dimensional (3D) Nanomaterials
In three-dimensional nanomaterials, all three dimensions are outside the
nanoscopic range, but the material is composed of nanoscale building
blocks. These materials combine nanoscale properties with bulk
characteristics.
Examples: Nanocomposites, nanoporous materials, bulk nanostructured
materials.
14.
Classification of NanomaterialsBased
on Structure
Nanomaterials are classified based on their structural makeup because the type of
atoms involved, bonding nature, and internal arrangement strongly influence their
physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties.
This classification helps in understanding their behavior and selecting suitable
nanomaterials for specific applications.
Based on structure, nanomaterials are broadly classified into carbon-based, inorganic,
organic, and composite nanomaterials.
15.
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials
Carbon-basednanomaterials are composed exclusively of carbon atoms
arranged in different nanostructures such as sphericals, tubes, or sheets. The
presence of strong covalent bonds (sp² and sp³ hybridization) imparts exceptional
mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability.
Examples include fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Due to their
unique structural arrangement and superior properties, carbon-based
nanomaterials are classified as a separate group and are widely used in
electronics, sensors, energy storage, and biomedical applications.
16.
Inorganic Nanomaterials
Inorganicnanomaterials consist of metals and metal oxides, where metallic
or ionic bonding predominates. Their structure gives rise to remarkable
optical, magnetic, electrical, and catalytic properties.
Examples include gold and silver nanoparticles, and metal oxides such as
TiO and ZnO. These materials are extensively used in catalysis, antimicrobial
₂
coatings, imaging, and electronic devices, justifying their distinct structural
classification.
17.
Organic Nanomaterials
Organicnanomaterials are made from organic molecules or polymeric
structures. They are generally held together by weak intermolecular forces,
making them flexible, biodegradable, and biocompatible.
Examples include dendrimers, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles.
Because of their compatibility with biological systems, organic
nanomaterials are mainly used in drug delivery, gene therapy, and medical
diagnostics, warranting a separate structural category.
18.
Composite Nanomaterials
Compositenanomaterials are formed by combining two or more different
nanomaterials at the nanoscale, such as core–shell structures or nanocomposites.
The interaction between different structural components leads to synergistic
effects, resulting in improved mechanical strength, stability, and multifunctionality.
These materials find applications in biomedical implants, protective coatings,
structural materials, and advanced functional devices, and thus are classified
separately based on their composite structure.