Syllabus

Introduction to nanotechnology, definition, history. What makes the nanoscale so different from the other length scales by considering the underpinning science (i.e. nanoscience) and some key examples of nanotechnology.
Properties in nanoscale: Extensive and Intensive properties, change in physical properties like color, melting point, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical. Quantum mechanical approach to explain the properties change in nanoscale. Theory of size dependent melting point, effect of grain size and grain boundary on mechanical properties of nanomaterials.
Methods of synthesis of nanometerials fabrication-“Top-down” vs. “bottom-up” approaches. Equipment and processes needed to fabricate nanodevices and structures.
Focus on different nanomaterials: Carbon nanotubes (discovery, preparation, properties, applications), Inorganic nanowires, Biological and bio-inspired materials, Metallic nanomaterials, Different shape nanomaterials.
Nanomaterial based biosensors: biofunctionalization of nanomaterials, advantages over other sensors, Field effect transistor based biosensors. Application in cholesterol, blood sugar, single virus detection.
Semiconductor nanoparticles, and Quantum dots. Application of quantum dots. Application of nanoparticles in catalysis.
Characterization of nano particles by Scanning probe microscopes (Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy), Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy.

It’s a relatively new area of science and engineering that has generated excitement worldwide due to its interdisciplinary nature and wide range of applications. The nanoscale materials are important because those have different properties at the nanoscale than the bulk or micro scale. So, the objective of this course is to focus on the nanoscale properties and to give an overview of the exciting advancement in this area.

(1) Understanding of the basic science behind the properties of materials at the nanometre scale.
(2) Understanding of the several important nanoscale materials for chemical engineering applications.
(3) Understanding of the differences between the properties of micro and nano levels.
(4) Understanding of the characterization techniques of nanoscale materials.

Tang, Zikang and Sheng, Ping, Nano science and technology: novel structures and phenomena, Taylor and Francis , 2003

, B. Rogers, S. Pennathur, J. Adams, Nanotechnology: Understanding small systems, Taylor and Francis , 2008

Michael Rieth, Nano-Engineering in Science and Technology: An Introduction to the World of Nano design, World Scientific , 2003

Prof. Dr. C. N. R. Rao Prof. Dr. H.C. mult. Achim Müller Prof. Dr. A. K. Cheetham, The Chemistry of Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH , 2005