nano

Introduction:

            The field of Nanotechnology is growing rapidly and some observations on trends in terms of the materials and applications under development are summarized here. Nano technology is intended to provide a ‘snapshot’ of the current status of development in the field. The information has been derived from a number of published sources, in combination with an evaluation and analysis of indicators such as patent activity and commercial product availability.

Nanotechnology used to found the foundation for revolutionary discoveries and advancements in the science technology. It will sound influence the competitiveness of companies in any industrial field.

Nanotechnology, which deals with understanding and control of matter at dimension of roughly 100 nm and below, has a crosssectoral application and an interdisciplinary orientation. At this scale, the biological, chemical, and physical properties of materials differ from the properties of individual atoms and molecules or bulk matter, which enable novel applications.

According to Industry experts at the workshop, within 10 years nanotechnology can be used in all the new products, it used to computer technology for cancer and other disease treatments; renewable energy sources; lightweight multifunctional components in airplanes and cars; agents for environmental remediation; water filters that removes contaminants, salt, and viruses for entire cities. That’s the reason of nanotechnology is viewed as key to future economical growth and advanced countries technically used nanotechnology for its development across the world.

Nanotechnology research and development is directed towards understanding and creating improved devices, materials, and systems that exploit these properties as they are discovered and characterized. There are many applications of nanotechnology such as in the area of agriculture, medicine, information and communication, chemistry and environment, energy, heavy industry and consumer goods. The alleged potential of this technology has garnered the attention of both developed and developing countries across the globe.

Emerging trends in nano technology:

The emergence of nanotechnology in India has witnessed the engagement of a diverse set of players, each with their own agenda and role. Nanotechnology in India is a government led initiative. Industry participation has very recently originated. Nanotechnology barring a few exceptions is largely being ensued at universities as well as research institutes.

Given the enabling nature of nanotechnology and ability to develop along with existing technologies, it has the potential to be utilized as a tool to address key development related challenges in diverse sectors like agriculture, water, energy, environment and health. Enabling conversion and production and energy storage, within renewable energy projects also cited as the area of nanotechnology applications in developed countries.

Nanotechnology might be sought at specific points to improve quality and quantity of wastewater and water treatment process. Enhancement of agricultural productivity has been identified as a critical area of nanotechnology. The development of worldwide hailing nanotechnology as a technology with the potential of satisfy the needs of developing country, as well the developing country India has to promote nanotechnology applications in various sectors like agriculture and energy storage and also have the influence, and impact in the course of future development in the country. Sectors such as energy and environment, health have received greater attention by various technology departments in the government.

Department of Science and Technology (DST), the chief agency engaged in the development of nanotechnology, initiated India’s principal programme, the Nanoscience and Technology Mission (NSTM) in 2007, with an allocation of Rupees 1000 crores for a period of five years. The five-year programme followed the flagship initiative, the Nanoscience and Technology Initiative (NSTI) that was in operation from 2001–06. Close to 200 projects have been undertaken in the NSTI and NSTM since 2002. The DST has also set up ‘Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Nanoscience and Technology’ established under the NSTI to undertake R&D to develop specific applications in a fixed period of time. Aside DST, several other agencies with diverse mandates is also actively engaged in supporting nanotechnology in the national arena. Department of Biotechnology is supporting research in nanotechnology and the life sciences. Industrial R&D for socio-economic benefit has also commissioned R&D in nanotechnology in diverse areas. Science and Engineering Research Council too have aided projects on nanotechnology. Support for these projects has been through its general R&D schemes for basic science and engineering science.