Nanotechnology and Functional Materials for Engineers

Chapter 1

An Introduction to Nanotechnology*

Abstract

Nanotechnology can be defined as the process of creating functional materials, devices, and systems through control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Fundamental properties found at the nanoscale include melting temperature, thermal conductivity, charge capacity, electronic conduction, tensile strength, and even color of a material. There are two approaches for performing research within the field of nanotechnology: the top–down approach and the bottom–up approach. At present time, the practice of nanotechnology embraces both stochastic approaches and deterministic approaches wherein single molecules are manipulated on the substrate surface through the use of scanning tunneling microscope ...