GST 11

MODULE 12
NANOTECHNOLOGY
This section discusses nanotechnology and how the manipulation of matter on a nanoscale impacts the
society. It focuses on both the advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this section, the students should be able to:
1. Discusses the antecedents of nanotechnology and its importance to society;
2. Enumerate the positive and negative impacts of nanotechnology on the environment and society;
and
3. Identify the moral and ethical questions and concerns surrounding nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is the branch of technology that deals with the manipulation and study of matter at
the nanoscale. It covers all types of research and technologies that deal with the special properties of matter
on an atomic molecular and supramolecular scale.
Scientists in the field of chemistry. biology, physics, materials science, and engineering are all involved
in studying matter on the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is “convergent” because it brings together various fields
of science through its innovations. e.g. DNA silicon chips, converging between semiconductor science
(inorganic chemistry) and biology, with applications in the medical industry. It also involves design,
characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling shapes and
sizes at the nanometer scale. This technology is “enabling” in the sense that it provides the platform and the
tools to produce innovations.
To decipher how nanotechnology works, three dimensions must be considered. The first dimension
involves tangible objects which include materials, devices and systems. The second dimension deals with the
passive and static objects i.e., nanoparticles that have properties different bulk objects, even if they have the
same composition; the active devices i.e., those that can store information, induce energy, or change their
state; and the nanofacture, which refers to atomically precise manufacturing (APM), i.e., collection and
procedures. The third dimension is direct nanotechnology which refers to materials structured at nanosclae
components. This also extends to indirect nanotechnology which starts with nanoparticles but can be used in
huge applications i.e., hugely powerful information processors with individual nanoscale components
(Ramsden, 2009).

NanoFacture
Applications of Nanotechnology
With scientists and engineers continuously finding ways to make materials at the nanoscale, more and
more uses of nanotechnology arise.
In medicine, nanotechnology has numerous applications in the development of more effective drugs.
Assisted by the view if molecules afforded by X-ray lasers, biological mechanisms can be simulated to destroy
a cancer cell while it is treated by drug-bearing nanoparticles. Nanobots, or molecular scale workers can
employ molecular processes within cells which can deliver drugs to specific molecular sites or even carry out
surgery (Biercuk, 2011). It is now possible to diagnose prevalent contagious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria,
tuberculosis, among others, with screening devices using nanotechnology (Macluran, 2005).
Water purification systems containing nanomaterials and utilizing new membrane technologies
containing variable pore-sized filters (i.e. the forward-osmosis membrane technology of Hydration
Technologies) are now available (Jadhawar, 2004). Nanoparticles are also used to prepare heat-resistant and
self-cleaning surfaces, such as floors and benchtops. Nanoparticles of silicon dioxide or titanium dioxide can
also make a surface repel water, thus preventing stains. Detergent molecules self-assemble into a sphere to
form a micelle that allows the detergent to trap oils and fats within the cavity of the sphere that iads in washing
surfaces. Zeolites are silicon oxides and aluminum oxides that have specific nanoporous cage-like structures
that are used as molecular sieves.
In agriculture, novel techniques of nanotechnology applications are applied to breed crops with higher
levels of micronutrients to detect peests and to control food processing. Ultra-small probes on earth surfaces
for agricultural applications and control of soil, air, and water contamination are also developed using
nantechnology.
A simple, cheap and effective way of removing arsenic in soil and water is through the use of TiO2
(Titanium dioxide) nanoparticles.A nanotechnology-inspired detector from Washington, which can sense the
smallest amount of radiation, located a nuclear leak faster and more accurately at the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Plant. Chlorinated compounds (i.e. chlorinated solvents and pesticides, polychlorinated
environmental contaminants that can be reduced using nanoscale metal particles such as FeO (iron oxide)and
Fe-Ni (iron nickel)in conjunction with iron filings . Silver (Ag) has long been enhanced with the discovery that
the bacteridical properties of Ag nanoparticles(1-100 nm) are dependent on both their size and shape.
Biotechnology can support cleaner production methods and provide alternative and renewable energy
sources to enhance the sustainability of factories. Nanotechnology helps in energy consumption like in the use
of grapheme into a coating material resulting in the need for only one layer, which does not require a
multifunctional film coating. Nanoscale chemical reagents or catalysts are smaller yet they increase the rate of
chemical reactions, thus lessening the input of raw materials.

In the Philippines, nanotechnology can be

applied in making sources renewable energy accessible
to many, developing medicine that would address
serious diseases, improving the state of agriculture, and
more. There are also existing and ongoing research
studies funded by the Department of Science and
technology (DOST) on the possible application of
technology, as well as on Nano-Metrology and
Education and Public Awareness

Graphene Buckyballs
Challenges of Nanotechnology
The advantages brought by innovations in nanotechnology cone with a price. With rapid developments
in nanotechnology, its adverse effects become more visible.
The environmental effect of mineral-based nanoparticles found in cosmetics, paints, clothing, and other
products are questioned as they go through sewage treatment plants untreated due to their undetectable
inorganic and organic pollutants. Thus, these nay affect water source. For instance, in the 1980s, a
semiconductor plant contaminated the ground water in Silicon Valley, California.

Nano contaminants

Carbon nanotubes used in the manufacture of memory storage, electronics, batteries, etc, were found
to have known harmful impacts to the human body by inhalation unto lungs comparable to asbestos fiber 11. A
pulmonary toxicological evaluation of single-wall carbon nanotubes indicated that it is more toxic than carbon
black and quartz.

Due to its size, nanoparticle is not easy to analyze. Lack of information and methods of characterizing
nanomaterials makes it a challenge to detect its concentration in air or any matrix of the environment.
Predicting the toxicity of a nanomaterial relies heavily on information about its chemical structure since minor
changes in its chemical function group could drastically change its properties. Point-to-point risk assessment at
all stages of nanotechnology should then be conducted to ensure safety to human health and environment.
Risk assessment should include the exposure risk and its probability of exposure, toxicological analysis,
transport risk, persistence risk, transformation risk and ability to recycle. This is which is quite expensive due to
the difficulty of detecting nanoparticles.

Ethical Dilemmas of Nanotechnology

With the identified potential hazards that nanoparticles can bring to human health and the environment,
should people disregard the benefits that nanotechnology provide them?

Issues raised regarding nanotechnology should be further studied, and nanotechnology methods
should be modified. For example, altering the composition of grapheme, known to be one of the most
advanced materials for structural improvement, replacing silicon in electronic devices, and thermal transferring
nanomaterials can be done to diminish environmental hazards of nanotechnology. Some studies also found
microorganisms that can decompose graphene to make it less toxic for the environment. It is imperative,
erefore, that experts and governments support themselves with enough knowledge on how nanomaterials work
for the benefit of society.
 GST 11

MODULE 12 – NANOTECHNOLOGY

Name:________________________________________ Course-Block:__________________
I. Instructions: What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of the ability to manipulate individual
atoms and molecules in a nano scale or one-billionth of a meter (1 meter is divided by 1 billion or 1/109). Write
three (3).

Manipulation of Atoms and Molecules

Advantages Disadvantages
II. Research on a nano product available in the market today. Draw or paste a picture inside the box
below. Then write a description about the product, particularly explaining how it was produced using
nanotechnology.
Product Description/Explanation: