History and development of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials

2^nd World Chemistry Conference

August 08-10, 2016 Toronto, Canada

Ahmed Barhoum

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Chem Sci J

Abstract :

Nanoparticles and nanostructured materials are one of the novel classes of materials that have attracted great attention within the scientific community owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. These properties and the potential applications are determined by the composition, size (distribution), and shapes. The ability to change size, shape and composition on the atomic level promises a revolution in many realms of science and technology. Nanoparticles and nanostructured materials have obviously existed in nature for a long time, but also their human use can be traced back to ancient times. Naturally occurring NPs include organic (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, viruses) as well as inorganic materials (e.g., iron oxyhydroxides, alumino silicates, metals) that are produced by weathering, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and microbial processes. More than 4000 years ago the ancient Egyptians were using NPs based on a man-made chemical process, PbS nanocrystals of ~5 nm to dye their hair. This may be one of the earliest examples of man-made NMs in a practical application. One of the major challenges in nanoscience today is understanding the physical mechanisms by which this level of control is achieved. Indeed, growth control additives are extensively used for effective control in growth and assembly of NPs into in novel nanostructured materials. However, these additives affect their surface properties, processing, and potential applications. chem_brhom@hotmail.com