Chapter 25: Nanomaterials, Nanoscience, and Nanotechnology

Metallic nanoparticles, particularly gold and silver, exhibit localized surface plasmon resonances that facilitate optical sensing, targeted drug delivery, and biosensing applications. Characterization techniques including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy enable direct visualization and manipulation at the nanoscale, with scanning probe lithography and electron beam methods revolutionizing materials analysis and design. Fabrication strategies divide into top-down approaches such as photolithography and pulsed laser deposition that selectively remove material, and bottom-up methodologies including solution-based nucleation and vapor-phase synthesis that build structures from individual atoms or molecules, exemplified by the Brust-Schiffrin synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Self-assembled nanostructures demonstrate how chemical principles control three-dimensional architecture: one-dimensional carbon nanotubes and nanowires provide exceptional mechanical strength and electrical conductivity for nanoelectronics; two-dimensional quantum wells and superlattices offer tunable electronic and optical characteristics; and three-dimensional frameworks including mesoporous silicas, zeolites, and metal-organic frameworks provide engineered porosity for catalysis, energy storage, and sensor applications. Morphosynthesis and supramolecular chemistry techniques achieve bottom-up control over structural dimensionality and functional performance. The final section integrates inorganic and biological concepts through bioinorganic nanomaterials: DNA-based assemblies and condensates enable biosensing, biomimetic fossilization recreates mineral structures, bionanocomposites replicate the hierarchical architecture and mechanical properties of biological tissues like bone, and hybrid systems incorporating fullerenes, proteins, clays, and DNA serve drug delivery and diagnostic functions. Environmental applications highlight ceria nanocomposites for pollutant remediation and catalytic oxidation of contaminants. This chapter synthesizes physical principles, chemical synthesis methods, self-assembly mechanisms, and biomimetic design to demonstrate how nanoscience and nanotechnology transform materials engineering, pharmaceutical development, energy systems, and environmental protection.