Introduction
Nanotechnology and nanoscience are two research areas that focus on matter at the nanometer scale. Both fields involve the study and manipulation of objects that are less than 100 nanometers in size. Nanoscience involves understanding the behavior and properties of these tiny objects, while nanotechnology focuses on using this knowledge to design and manufacture useful applications.
Nanoscience
Nanoscience is the study of objects with sizes less than 100 nanometers in at least one dimension. When objects are reduced to the nanoscale, their behavior and properties can be different from when they are larger. Nanoscience involves finding the governing laws and theoretical models for these nanoscale materials. It also involves analyzing their properties. The knowledge obtained from nanoscience is used in nanotechnology. For example, deriving equations for the electronic band structure of carbon nanotubes is a topic in nanoscience.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology involves engineering objects at the molecular level and using different techniques to manipulate them at the nanoscale. The goal of nanotechnology is to design and create nanoscale systems or products that take advantage of the unique properties at the molecular level. This can include properties like strength, lightness, electrical and thermal conductance, and reactivity. Nanotechnology can be approached in two ways: top-down (reducing larger objects to nanoscale) and bottom-up (building up from individual atoms or molecules). Concepts like self-assembly and molecular machines are also used in nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology has applications in various fields such as IT, automobile, healthcare, textile, and agriculture. It is considered to be the next revolution, and many governments, universities, and companies worldwide invest a significant amount of money in nanotechnology research. For example, manufacturing field effect transistors using carbon nanotubes is an application of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology vs Nanoscience
The main difference between nanotechnology and nanoscience is that nanoscience focuses on the study of objects at the nanometer scale and deriving theoretical concepts and governing laws for them. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, is about engineering, manipulation, and using nanoscale objects to produce useful applications. Nanotechnology uses the knowledge obtained from nanoscience to develop its applications. This difference can be compared to the difference between science and technology in general.
Key Takeaways
1. Nanoscience is the study of objects at the nanometer scale and involves deriving theoretical concepts and governing laws, while nanotechnology is focused on engineering and manipulating nanoscale objects for practical applications.
2. Nanotechnology utilizes the knowledge and findings from nanoscience to develop and manufacture useful items.
3. The difference between nanoscience and nanotechnology is similar to the distinction between pure science and applied technology.
