Have you ever thought about how quickly the world has evolved since the 90s, all thanks to technology? Back then, we used to rely on static landline telephones just to communicate, and now, with smartphones, we practically move around with portable computers in our pockets. Beyond calls, you can take photos, record videos, shop, hail rides, perform a quick work task, and even take part in your favourite gambling games on mobile-friendly sites like Mr Bet Canada.
Outside the Internet of Things, nanotechnology is one of those innovations that have led to mind-blowing applications. Many consider nanotechnology a way to create lighter and stronger sports equipment, such as baseball bats, tennis rackets, racing bikes, and hockey sticks. However, the potential of nanotechnology goes far beyond that. In fact, this technology will touch nearly every aspect of our lives, and even more so in the coming years. Its applications span various industries, with significant usage in medicine, advanced computing, industry, and sustainability.
Several key trends are emerging in nanotechnology, many of which are closely related and expected to proliferate soon. Let’s jump into the most notable ones.
Carbon Nanomaterials
Startups are constantly creating new ways and enhancing existing methods like carbon vapour deposition to produce carbon nanomaterials. Such nanostructures that leverage these advancements are stronger and more durable than their traditional counterparts. Typical applications include tissue engineering, electronics, and textiles.
Meanwhile, single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes stand out with their low-resistance conductivity, which is ideal for nanofillers in electronic structures. Other enterprises also create reinforced materials from carbon-based nano additives such as:
- Nanodiamonds;
- Graphene-integrated catalysts;
- Carbon nanofibres.
Japanese startup 3DC is a great example. The company has developed a graphene mesosponge, a 3D nanomaterial with a mesoporous structure made from single-layer graphene. This design offers a large surface area, enhancing elasticity, durability, and conductivity.
UK-based Concrene is also on the right track with its graphene-based concrete mix that uses nanotechnology to blend the strength and compatibility of graphite with concrete. Their process works with both synthetic and graphite-derived graphene.
Higher Strength Composites
The next generation of carbon nanotubes and graphene devices will bring about even lighter and stronger structures than those currently achieved with carbon fibre. This advancement is already noticeable in everyday products like bicycles, cars, and sports gear.
Additionally, nanotube pre-impregnated materials are an exciting development in this field. These materials boast better electrical conductivity, solving a fundamental problem faced by traditional carbon fibre and epoxy composites. Carbon nanotube technology is already making strides, having been used in space missions like the Juno probe to Jupiter.
Healing at the Molecular Level
Nanomedicine is an exciting field with the potential to transform the healthcare sector. Scientists are developing drug delivery systems at the nanoscale that can accurately target specific cells, pathogens, or tumours. The resultant treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects. For instance, nanoparticles like dendrimers and liposomes are already impacting diagnosis and medication delivery.
Production Scalability
With nanotech, it is challenging to find scalable ways to produce affordable nanomaterials to address major global issues like water, food, energy, and the environment.
Technologies that use unique properties of nanomaterials can greatly improve functionality and performance, but they often depend on rare materials or require slow and complex manufacturing processes. As a result, they are prohibitively expensive.
Regardless, these solutions have demonstrated excellent results in the lab or at the prototype stage, and continuous tech developments will certainly make them less costly.
Green Nanotechnology
The nanotechnology industry is moving away from traditional combustion-based processes as industry leaders are now adopting greener ways to create nanoparticles. For instance, startups are using biofabrication to produce biomaterials from natural raw materials like plants. They also focus on a circular economy by developing biodegradable nanomaterials from environmentally friendly elements such as:
- Recycled plastics;
- Salvaged metals;
- Agricultural waste;
- Natural reagents like fungi, bacteria, and herbs.
Besides the green production methods, nanotechnology supports eco-friendly applications. Companies now use nanomaterials to clean up oil spills, wastewater, soil, and other toxic pollutants through biotransformation and bioremediation.
For instance, Singapore’s Nanomatics produces recycled carbon nanotubes by breaking down plastic waste through pyrolysis. The startup turns plastic into eco-friendly multi-walled nanotubes and uses water-free techniques to remove metal impurities.
Sustainability
Nanomaterials and nanostructured surfaces are increasingly used in advanced energy storage and conversion projects. These materials help create more energy-efficient products in both their production and use, as it’s possible to control the thermodynamics of solid-solid reactions by reducing materials to the nanoscale. This approach can enhance energy-storage materials like supercapacitors, batteries, and hydrogen storage systems.
The most immediate benefits for sustainability are expected in transportation, where lighter and more efficient materials can reduce fuel consumption in vehicles and aircraft. Additionally, similar nanotechnologies also improve efficiency in photovoltaics, lighting, and energy storage through nanostructured materials that enhance electronic performance in solar cells, batteries, and LED lighting.
The Future of Nanotech Is Promising
The potential of nanotechnology today is continuously opening up exciting new possibilities in vast industries. We can look forward to a future where nanotechnology plays a crucial role in addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
