What is nanoscience?

As mentioned, nanoscience involves the nanometer-scale study, manipulation and engineering of materials.

A nanometer is a unit that is roughly the size of about 10 atoms in a row, or one-billionth of a meter. Under these conditions, light and matter behave in a different way as compared to objects at a larger scale.

“These behaviours often defy the classical laws of physics and chemistry and can only be understood using the laws of quantum mechanics,” the University of Sydney's Nano Institute states.

The Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon identifies carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as one example of a component that is designed at a nanoscale level. These structures are stronger than steel at the macroscale level. CNT powders are currently used in diverse commercial products, from rechargeable batteries to automotive parts to water filters.

Scientists, researchers and industry experts are enthusiastic about the new possibilities for technological applications presented by advancements in nanoscience.

According to the Australian Academy of Science, "Nanoscience has the potential to reshape the world around us. It could lead to revolutionary breakthroughs in fields ranging from manufacturing to health care."

What are nanomaterials?

The aim of nanoscience and nanotechnologies is to produce new or enhanced nanoscale materials. Nanomaterials are formed when materials have their properties changed at the nanoscale level.

Nanomaterials involve elements that contain at least one nanoscale structure, but there are several subcategories that divide nanomaterials based on their shape and size. These materials include nanowires, nanotubes and nanoparticles such as quantum dots, along with nanocrystalline materials.

While these are broader classifications of nanomaterials, each of them has several submaterials. Graphene is one popular submaterial and is an example of a nanoplate.

The Integrated Nano-Science & Commodity Exchange, a self-regulated commodities exchange, includes a wide range of nanomaterials and related commodities and lists more than 1,000 nanomaterials.

The exchange states that its entire product range is in excess of 4,500 products, including CNTs, graphene, graphite, ceramics, drug-delivery nanoparticles, metals, nanowires, micron powders, conductive inks, nano-fertilizers and nano-polymers.