Nanotechnology and Functional Materials for Engineers

Chapter 4

Nanosensors*

Abstract

The purpose of sensors is driven by our need to monitor and receive information about surrounding environments on a precise scale. Nanosensors provide a bridge between two worlds by conveying information from the nano level to the macroscopic world, allowing for detection at the parts per billion levels. Top–down lithography (electron beam lithography or nanoimprint lithography), bottom–up assembly (uses atomic sized components), and molecular self-assembly (no guidance needed form an outside source) are the major methods in manufacturing nanosensors. As there are different types of nanoparticles, there are various classifications of nanoscale sensors such as chemical nanosensors (e.g., detecting very small amounts ...