The Future of Nanotechnology

January 23, 2024

Over the past 70 years, the electronic transistor and the microchip have revolutionised the way we live and work, and set the groundwork for the future of nanotechnology. Since their inception in the 1940s, these small yet powerful inventions have continuously miniaturised, with modern chips now hosting up to 5 billion transistors. To put this in perspective, if the automobile industry had experienced similar advancements, cars today would be capable of speeds up to 300,000mph and cost as little as £3.

However, sustaining this technological evolution requires the ability to construct circuits at the nanometre scale, where a nanometre is one-billionth of a metre. This level of engineering involves manipulating atoms themselves, achievable through methods like directing electron beams at a material or layering vaporised atoms onto a base.

The primary challenge lies in consistently using these methods to produce functional nanoscale devices. At such a minute scale, the physical properties of materials, including their melting points, electrical conductivity, and chemical reactivity, undergo significant changes, potentially impacting device performance. Mastering nanotechnology promises not only advancements in electronics but also enhancements across various aspects of contemporary life.

Miniature Medical Monitors Within the Body

The advent of wearable fitness technology has enabled us to track our health using various devices. Prototypes of electronic tattoos that can monitor vital signs are already in development. However, by further miniaturising this technology, we could move towards implanting or injecting tiny sensors directly into our bodies. This would allow for the collection of more comprehensive health data with greater convenience for patients, facilitating highly personalised medical treatments.

The potential applications of such technology are vast. They range from monitoring inflammation and recovery after surgeries to more advanced uses where electronic devices could actively interact with the body’s own signals to regulate organ functions. While these ideas may seem futuristic, major healthcare corporations like GlaxoSmithKline are already exploring the creation of “electroceuticals,” a testament to the rapid advancement in this field.

Ubiquitous Sensing Technology

The advancement of these sensors hinges on innovative nanomaterials and manufacturing processes, making them smaller, more intricate, and energy-efficient. For instance, sensors with extremely fine details can now be mass-produced on flexible plastic rolls, an approach that is both cost-effective and scalable.

This innovation paves the way for widespread sensor deployment across vital infrastructure, ensuring continuous monitoring and maintenance. Key areas that stand to gain from this technology include bridges, aircraft, and nuclear power plants, enhancing their safety and efficiency.

Self-Repairing Materials

Nanotechnology also has the potential to address damages, such as cracks, in structures. Altering materials at the nanoscale can endow them with extraordinary properties, like water repellency. Future advancements in nanotech coatings or additives could enable materials to autonomously “heal” when they incur damage or wear. By embedding nanoparticles within a material, these tiny particles could move to and fill any emerging cracks.

This innovation could lead to the development of self-healing materials applicable in various fields, from aircraft cockpits to microelectronics. Such materials would not only mend minor damages but also prevent them from escalating into larger, more challenging issues.

Facilitating the Era of Big Data

The influx of data from these numerous sensors will surpass any volume of information we’ve previously handled. Consequently, we’ll require advanced technology not only to process this data but also to identify patterns signalling potential issues. Similarly, leveraging “big data” from traffic sensors could aid in managing congestion and preventing accidents, while crime prevention could benefit from statistics-driven police resource allocation.

In this context, nanotechnology is instrumental in developing ultra-dense memory solutions capable of storing this vast amount of data. Additionally, it’s inspiring the creation of ultra-efficient algorithms for processing, encrypting, and transmitting data while maintaining its integrity. Nature itself offers several models of efficient big-data processing by small structures, such as the components of eyes and ears that convert external signals into neural information.

Brain-inspired computer architectures could also contribute to more energy-efficient computing, addressing the challenge of heat dissipation – a significant obstacle in further miniaturising electronic devices.

Addressing Climate Change with Nanotechnology

In the quest to mitigate climate change, innovative methods for generating and utilising electricity are crucial, and nanotechnology is already making significant contributions. It has been instrumental in developing more energy-efficient batteries for electric vehicles and enhancing solar panels to convert a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity.

A key strategy in both these advancements is the use of nanotexturing or nanomaterials, such as nanowires or carbon nanotubes. These materials transform flat surfaces into three-dimensional ones, vastly increasing the surface area. This expansion allows for more space for the chemical reactions necessary for energy storage or generation, thereby boosting the efficiency of these devices.

Looking ahead, nanotechnology is poised to empower objects to extract energy from their surroundings. Ongoing research into new nano-materials and technologies shows promise for energy production from various sources like movement, light, temperature changes, and glucose, with a focus on achieving high conversion efficiency.

Learn more about emerging nanotechnology companies and explore the top 5 largest deals from the industry in 2023.

Published on 23-01-2024