Applications of nanotechnology in the field of environment

Nanotechnology is the study of atoms and molecular structures whose physical size is at least in one dimension is of the range 1-100nm.To be much more specific it is the engineering of tiny machines the ability to build up things from the bottom up inside personal nanofactories ultimately resulting in “MANUFACTURING REVOLUTION”. The main unifying theme is the control of matter on a scale smaller than one micrometer as well as the fabrication of such particles. The particles at this stage exhibit change in the properties which include greater material strength, enhanced reactivity, better catalytic function and high conductivity. The nanoparticles can be prepared by two ways: bottom up and top down processes. These are generally prepared on large scale by condensation, chemical, dispersion methods. The uses of nano particles accounts to a lot as they play a considerable role in next generation computer chips, phosphors for hd tv, tougher and harder cutting tools, high power magnets, long lasting medical implants, ductile and machinable ceramics, large electrochemical display devices, prosthetics, diagnosis etc., and especially in the various environmental applications like ELIMINATION OF POLLUTANTS,HIGH ENERGY DENSITY BATTERIES, automobiles with greater fuel efficiency, aerospace components with GREATER PERFORMANCE., in killing cancer cells, PROVIDING OXYGEN etc. Along with these fuel cells and carbon nanotubes play a major role. It is said that lithium can be stored. It also can store hydrogen. A fuel cell consists of two electrodes separated by a special electrolyte that allows only hydrogen ions. Hydrogen sent through anode is ionized. It combines with oxygen and form water. These also detect gases like CO, ammonia and hence can be used in the detection of harmful gases.