The term nano originated from the Greek nanos which means “dwarf”. It is one billionth of a meter. Therefore, whenever we think about nonoscience or nanomaterials very small objects come to the mind. A nanometre or nm is one thousand millionth of a metre, (ie), 1 nm=10−9 m=10−3 m=10 A.
All materials are composed of grains, which in turn comprise many atoms. Conventional materials have grain size varying from hundreds of microns to centimetres.
In nanomaterials the majority of the atoms are located on the surface of the particles and hence the atoms are at different environments. Nanomaterials have increased surface area substance with high surface areas have enhanced chemical, mechanical, optical and magnetic properties. Using a variety of synthesis methods, it is possible to produce nano structured materials in the form of nanoparticles, nano crystal clusters, nanowires, nanotubes, nano dots, etc.
Basic terminology
Particle : A particle is defined as a small object that behaves as a whole unit in terms of its transport and properties.
Nano : A prefix meaning one billionth (1/1,000,000,000)
Nanometer : One nanometer is equal to one-billionth of a metre, 10−9 m.
Nanoparticle : Particles less than 100 nm in diameter that exhibit new or enhanced size dependent properties compared with larger particles of the same material.
Nanomaterial : A nanomaterial is defined as that having at least one of its dimensions between 1 and 100 nm.
Nanotechnology : Nanotechnology is the design, characterization, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanometre scale.
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