Introduction—The Current Status and Momentum in Nanotechnology Commercialisation

Abstract

Everybody is talking about nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nowadays ‘nano’ is very popular in science and technology, as well as in everyday news in journals, magazines and newspapers. If you ask non-scientific people “What is nano?”, the majority would probably respond “something small and new”… We can use some of the definitions, starting from Feynman’s famous sentence, “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” or some officially adopted such as “Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nm.”, USA National Nanotechnology Initiative. Today, the term nano has become more than this simple definition. It is probably also becoming a kind of philosophy, as once in ancient Greece, philosophy was the science comprising mathematics, biology and other fields of natural science.

Annex 1

Useful links with information about nanoscience and nanotechnology

A. Lectures and Instructional Material

• 1. Trynano-Nanomaterials

  Explore nanomaterials

  http://www.trynano.org/

• 2. Trynano-Nanotechnology Applications

  Nanotechnology Applications

  http://www.trynano.org/

• 3. Micro/Nano Processing Technology

  A course to introduce the theory and technology of micro/nano fabrication.

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 4. Multi-Scale System Design

  Multi-scale systems (MuSS) consist of components from two or more length scales (nano, micro, meso, or macro-scales)

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 5. Introduction to Nanoelectronics

  This course covers the “bottom up” approach to electronic devices

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 6. Nano-tribology and Macro-tribology

  This course considers the relationship between nano-tribology and macro-tribology

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 7. Design and Fabrication of Microelectromechanical Devices

  An introduction to microsystem design

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 8. Integrated Microelectronic Devices

  This course examines the physics of microelectronic semiconductor devices for silicon integrated circuit applications

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 9. Nanomechanics of Materials and Biomaterials

  Latest scientific developments and discoveries in the field of nanomechanics

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 10. The Power of Graphene

  Lesson focuses on graphene and its electrical properties and applications.

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 11. Try Your Hand at Nano

  Lesson focuses on two simple activities younger students can do to gain an appreciation of nanotechnology

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 12. Be A Scanning Probe Microscope

  Lesson focuses on how engineers have developed and use special tools that can observe the landscape of materials when they are working at the nano scale.

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 13. Fizzy Nano Challenge

  Students learn about nanotechnology and how engineers can harness the differences in how materials behave when small to solutions for challenges in many industries.

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 14. Sugar Crystal Challenge

  Students explore surface area, nanostructures, and work in teams and participate in hands-on activities.

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 15. What is a Nanometer?

  Lesson focuses on how to measure at the nano scale and provides students with an understanding of how small a nanometer really is.

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 16. Nano Waterproofing

  Lesson focuses on how nanotechnology has impacted the design and engineering of many everyday items, from paint to fabrics.

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 17. Exploring at the Nanoscale

  Lesson focuses on how nanotechnology has impacted our society and how engineers have learned to explore the world at the nanoscale.

  http://tryengineering.org/

• 18. NanoSense Size Matters: Introduction to Nanoscience

  Lecture notes promote the learning of science concepts that account for nanoscale phenomena

  http://nanosense.sri.com/

• 19. NanoSense Clear Sunscreen: How Light Interacts with Matter

  Lecture notes promote the learning of science concepts that account for nanoscale phenomena

  http://nanosense.sri.com/

• 20. NanoSense—Clean Energy: Converting Light to Energy

  Lecture notes promote the learning of science concepts that account for nanoscale phenomena

  http://nanosense.sri.com/

• 21. NanoSense—Fine Filters: Filtering Solutions for Clean Water

  Lecture notes promote the learning of science concepts that account for nanoscale phenomena

  http://nanosense.sri.com/

• 22. NanoDays

  The NanoDays digital kit contains hands-on activities and programs to engage a public audience in nanoscale science, technology, and engineering.

  http://nisenet.org

• 23. NISENet

  Nisenet nanotechnology educational video

  http://nisenet.org

• 24. NISENET—Programs and Activities

  Nisenet nanotechnology educational activities

  http://nisenet.org

• 25. NISENET—Media

  Nisenet nanotechnology educational activities

  http://nisenet.org

• 26. What is Nano

  Nanotechnology educational video

  http://whatisnano.org/

• 27. Scale of the Universe

  Video lessons attempt to comprehend the scale of the universe

  http://www.khanacademy.org

• 28. Nanotechnology

  Uses of nanotechnology, and descriptions of nanomaterials and lesson plans for teachers and students

  http://www.understandingnano.com/

B. Activities and Labs

• 1. Nanohub

  Online hub for nanotechnology resources and activities

  http://www.nanohub.org

• 2. Nanohub Courses

  Nanotechnology resources and courses

  http://www.nanohub.org

• 3. Bone Regrowth

  Scientists using nanotechnology to help regenerate nerves and bones

  http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv

• 4. Hockey Sticks

  Do nanotubes really make a better hockey stick? http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv

• 5. What’s Nano

  Science fair project idea for your elementary or middle school science fair

  http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv

• 6. Where’s Nano

  Science fair project idea for your elementary or middle school science fair

  http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv

• 7. Nanotechnology—101

  What is nanotechnology and how it works

  http://www.nano.gov/

• 8. Nanotechnology and You

  Nanotechnology benefits and applications

  http://www.nano.gov/

• 9. Macro Concerns in a Nano World

  QUEST looks further into nanotechnology, as this rapidly expanding field begins to play a larger part in our lives.

  http://kqed.org

• 10. Nanotechnology Takes Off

  Discover the nanotech boom where researchers are working to unlock the potential of nanoscience to battle global warming, and disease.

  http://kqed.org

• 11. Science on the SPOT: Color By Nano 

  How Kate uses the phenomenon known as “structural color” to transform nanotechnology into creativity.

  http://kqed.org

• 12. Solar City: The Future of Nanosolar

  Nanosolar is creating paper-thin solar panels harnessing nanotechnology, a product that could revolutionize solar power.

  http://kqed.org

• 13. The World’s Most Powerful Microscope

  Electron microscope ability to make images to a resolution half the width of a hydrogen atom made it the most powerful microscope in the world.

  http://kqed.org

• 14. Atomic Force Microscopy

  Videos explaining basic techniques of microscopy

  http://umassk12.net

• 15. Nanofilm: Oleic Acid Langmuir Film

  Videos explaining basic techniques of nano fabrication

  http://umassk12.net

• 16. Spin Coating

  Videos explaining basic techniques of nano fabrication

  http://umassk12.net

• 17. Photolithography

  Videos explaining basic techniques of nano fabrication

  http://umassk12.net

• 18. Electrochemical Deposition

  Videos explaining basic techniques of nano fabrication

  http://umassk12.net

• 19. Magnetism

  Videos explaining basic techniques of a section on concepts of magnetism

  http://umassk12.net

• 20. What’s so BIG About Nano-technology?

  Nano related activities

  http://www.sciencebuzz.org

• 21. NNIN Education and Training

  NNIN’s education programs address the explosive growth of nanotechnology and its growing need for a skilled workforce and informed public by offering education and training to individuals (school-aged students to Higher educations).

  http://www.nnin.org

• 22. Nanotechnology Poster

  A series of posters with accompanying educator and learner guides for Public engagement with Nanotechnology

  http://www.jivemedia.co.za

• 23. Nanozone

  Nano related activities

  http://www.nanozone.org

• 24. A Hands-On Introduction to Nanoscience and Technology

  A lab-based hands-on introduction to nanoscience and nanotechnology for early undergraduates

  http://www.virlab.virginia.edu/

C. Reference Material

• 1. Secret Worlds: The Universe Within

  Video Milky Way to Nano scale illustration

  http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/electronmicroscopy/magnify1/index.

• 2. Tejal Desai

  Tejal Desai is a biomedical engineer who designs tiny, nano-sized capsules to transport medicine in the body to the exact spot it is needed

  http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv

• 3. UVA Virtual Lab

  The UVA Virtual Lab is based at the University of Virginia. It employs emerging software visualization tools to explain technologies affecting our daily lives

  http://www.virlab.virginia.edu/

• 4. Graphene the 2D Material That Could Change Everything

  Graphene the 2D material that could change everything infograph

  http://www.visualcapitalist.com/

• 5. Nano-to-Macro Transport Processes

  Video overview of the course and the research in the field of nanoscience and technology

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 6. Submicrometer and Nanometer Technology

  A course that surveys techniques to fabricate and analyze submicron and nanometer structures, with applications

  http://ocw.mit.edu/

• 7. Nanotechnologies: Principles, Applications, Implications and Hands-On Activities. A compendium for educators

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology. Educational material that will help inform, motivate and inspire young people about nanotechnologies and their applications

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 8. Nanotechnology: The Invisible Giant Tackling Europe’s Future Challenges

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 9. Nanometrics—A Technometric and Socio-Economic Analysis System to Support the Development of the European Nanotechnology Strategy Options

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 10. Nanometrics—A Technometric and Socio-Economic Analysis System to Support the Development of the European Nanotechnology Strategy Options—Case Study

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 11. Reaching Out to the Future

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 12. Photovoltaics and Nanotechnology: From Innovation to Industry

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 13. Successful European Nanotechnology Research

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 14. Communicating Nanotechnology

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 15. Knowledge, Attitudes and Opinions on Nanotechnology Across European Youth

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 16. Report on Legal, Ethical Issues Related to Nanotechnologies

  A publication by the European Commission outlines nanoscience and nanotechnology

  http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/e-library.cfm

• 17. Nanomedicine the Future of Medicine

  How Nanomedicine Works and applications

  http://www.associates-degree-in-nursing.org/

• 18. Fabricating a Tiny High-Tech Future

  How advanced manufacturing drives the tiny, high-tech future

  http://www.jabil.com/blog/fabricating-a-tiny-high-tech-future-infographic.

• 19. Big Things from a Tiny World

  Brochure that explains nanotechnology and its potential in a format that appeals to general audiences

  http://www.nano.gov/

• 20. Nano and Energy: Powerful Things from a Tiny World

  Brochure provides an overview of nanotechnology’s potential applications in the energy sector, including information on batteries, catalysts, solar cells, and green fuels

  http://www.nano.gov/

• 21. An Introduction to Nanotechnology

  An Introduction to Nanotechnology and its applications

  http://www.understandingnano.com/

• 22. Nanotechnology Applications

  Nanotechnology applications

  http://www.understandingnano.com/

• 23. Nanoreisen

  Nano-journeys to micro- and nano-cosmos

  http://www.nanoreisen.de/

• 24. Nanokids

  NanoKids(TM) is an education and outreach program for intermediate-level (middle-school) students intended to increase their knowledge of nanotechnology and emerging research and technology in this field,

  http://www.nanokids.rice.edu/

• 25. NanoTech: Insights into a Nano-Sized World

  Students learn about nanotechnology, its extreme smallness, and its vast and growing applications

  http://www.worldteachengineering.org.