Nanotechnology as an Emerging Technology - Term Paper Example

? Contents Introduction 2 Definition, Meaning and History of Na chnology 2 Recent Business Applications of Na chnology 4 Explanation and Profile of the Technology 5 Major Players with Regard to Nanotechnology 6 Limitations and Potential of Nanotechnology 6 How To Decide When to Adopt and How to Employ the Technology 8 Implications of Applying This Technology in Business Operations 8 Future Development and Expectations 10 Conclusion 10 Works Cited 11 Nanotechnology as an Emerging Technology Introduction The world’s population has increased drastically over the last few decades. This has led to increased demand of goods and services. Because of this, many technologies and applications have been invented to cater for this increased demand. Among the technologies that have come up is nanotechnology which deals with resizing large systems and devices as well as making effective products highly. This paper talks about the meaning, history, application, and limitations among other aspects of nanotechnology. Definition, Meaning and History of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is basically defined as engineering that deals with functional systems at a molecular scale. It can also be defined as the ability of the engineers to make new attributes by controlling features at a nanometre scale (Davies 1). This is the technology that has been used to manufacture the microsystems which have reduced voluminous devices into modern day small devices. Nanotechnology is not only able to produce small devices but also devices which produce minimal waste (Davies 1). Although nanotechnology has gained momentum in the second half of the 20th century, it was James Clerk Maxwell who first toyed with the idea in 1967 (Knol 3). He had called for an experiment of small entities with an aim of handling person molecules. Richard Adolf Zsigmondy became the first person to use nanometer to characterize particle sizes in 1914. Modern nanotechnology was suggested by Richard Feynman in 1959 (Knol 2). He brought forth the notion of constructing devices and machines in molecular scale. Gordon Moore went ahead to predict how modern day circuitry would look like in 1965. He did this through his rule which has been practical for 50 years. The nanotechnology applied today was defined by Tokyo Science University lecturer, Norio Taniguchi in 1974 (Knol 3). He defined nanotechnology as the process involving separation, consolidation, and deformation of supplies by use of one molecule or atom. This was followed by discoveries such as the Finns’ atomic layering process. Recognition of this process by the entire scientific community put nanotechnology on the map. Application of nanotechnology was first done by Eric Drexler, a famous nanotechnological scientist, using the idea of molecular manufacturing (Knol 4). He argued that molecules would be a tight collection of marbles if atoms were taken to be marbles as represented in figure 1. This saw the molecules become standard scaled tools. These nanoscale tools worked in the same way as their significant counterparts irrespective of their size. The bonds between atoms could hold them together to form parts of nano machines. Drexler had visualized that these nano bots would be used as assemblers so as to place atoms into any desired shape. Drexler went ahead to argue that coal could be modified to diamond and computer chips could be formed from sand. He also explained that the process of manufacturing goods would be quickened by reorganizing the atoms that make them. This ignited the minds of many scientist who consequently devoted their time to develop nanotechnology and its applications we they are seen today. Fig. 1: Tight collection of marbles/atoms Courtesy of hplusmagazine.com Recent Business Applications of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology has had widespread applications in all sectors of the economy. Due to its proved success in the manufacture of nanometer scale products, it has attracted all industries. Currently, it is the leading in production and application of biological, chemical and physical systems at nonometre scales and integrating the resultant nano-systems into large systems (Lauterwasser 22). This has made it get wide application in the market today. For instance, nanotechnology is used in the automotive industry to manufacture nanocomposites out of southern clay. This material has numerous applications because it is light and stiff. Nanolayers have also been used in the manufacture of antireflection coating on car glasses (Foley and Wiek 10). It is preferred because it is a better antireflector compared to other antireflectors in the market today. It also makes materials with good anti-stick properties which have been used widely in making surfaces of toilets and sinks. Due to its ability to produce material of small scale, the technology is being applied in the market to reduce the sizes of electronic devices to more portable sizes. In cosmetics and body care, titanium dioxide nanoparticles and nanocapsules are used to help in skin care (Foley and Wiek 10). The former helps in absorbing UV radiations while the latter has good skin moisturizing properties. In fashion, nanotechnology has been used to make coating from nano-Tex which has anti-wrinkle properties (Lauterwasser 8). Because of its proven advantages, nanotechnology has overtaken many technologies in business and in the production of goods which have better and competitive qualities. Explanation and Profile of the Technology Nanotechnology is the driving forcing behind the current industrial revolution. Both the public and private sectors are spending a lot on the researches associated with this technology. The current spending by the public sector on this technology is more than $2 billion and spending by the private sector is even higher (Lauterwasser 3). This has led to the achievements seen today and is likely to bring more opportunities due to expected industrial expansion. The market size for nanotechnology products is only comparable to that of the biotechnology sector. Its use of minute particles is, however, associated with risks to animal health and the environment (Lauterwasser 3). This calls for precautionary measures in applying this technology so as to avoid subjecting the global community to health risks (Lauterwasser 3). These precautionary measures need to be ensured by the experts as it is hard to note environmental contamination from these particles using naked eyes. Considering the applications of nanotechnology there is no doubt that it will be relied upon to solve several problems for a long time to come. The table that follows shows government spending on nanotechnology research and development between 1998 and 2002. Courtesy of www.emeraldinsight.com  Major Players with Regard to Nanotechnology Many players have been attracted to nanotechnology with a view of tapping its potential. These players serve the same purpose as the players in other technologies. These players include large organizations, start-ups, economic blocs, public sectors, and customers of nanotechnology products (Lauterwasser 25). Large organizations provide resources required in the investigation of long term technologies. This has ensured the availability of resources needed in researching about technologies that will help them improve profit margins, decrease costs, and increase market share. Start-ups aim to apply this technology so as to claim bigger market share in existing markets and attract the attention of potential markets. Economic blocs are focused to compete for supremacy (Lauterwasser 25). They want to maximize on the economic benefits that nanotechnology and its applications will bring when it fully penetrates the markets. Public agencies try to capture the highest number possible of links in the value chain (Lauterwasser 25). The customers on their part have promoted the technology by providing it with ready market for its applications. The changes expected among these players are similar to what has been witnessed with other technologies such as micro-computing. The large companies may absorb startups and consequently force small firms to look for other products to deal with. Limitations and Potential of Nanotechnology The wide application of nanotechnology has led to various limitations despite having a lot of advantages. Since it is displacing traditional industries, it is likely to cause widespread unemployment in the entire global market. It may also lead to the collapse of numerous market segments. This is because it can be used to develop alternative sources of energy which can replace oil and other fossil fuels (Foley and Wiek 10). Nanotechnology can also be used to produce goods that can serve purposes currently served by diamond. This replacement may force this segment of the market to collapse due to lack of application and market. Nanotechnology has also made it possible to manufacture destructive atomic weapons. This is a big threat to global security. Due to the small size of particles involved, there is a risk of inhaling them and consequently experiencing health problem such as is the case with asbestos (Foley and Wiek 5). In this respect, nanotechnology may be a threat to global health. Nanotechnology is also a very expensive technology to use as it requires very expensive equipments and highly qualified personnel. This makes its products expensive hence is likely to raise cost of living in case it fully takes over the market. Despite the various limitations the technology has, it also has a lot of potential toward making a better world. The technology will be applied to develop materials of high strength and of great precision (Lauterwasser 6). Optical and thermal barriers, membranes and filters, high efficiency catalysts and resistant textiles are among the materials that the technology will be used to make. Membranes and filters will help in desalinization of water with minimal costs. In electronics and computing, terabit non-volatile memory, miniaturized supercomputers and faster microprocessors are expected results of the application of nanotechnology (Lauterwasser 6). Figure 2 shows a tiny fly made through the application of nanotechnology. More effective drug compounds, perfect target drug delivery, and antibacterial coating are expected results of nanotechnology in the fields of biotechnology and medicine (Lauterwasser 7). Also, nanotechnology is expected to claim a share in energy generation. This will be possible through the development of micro fuel cells; high capacity, high charge batteries; and thin photovoltaics (Foley and Wiek 10). Fig 2: Miniature fly made through the application of nanotechnology Courtesy of www.deluxebattery.com How To Decide When to Adopt and How to Employ the Technology Before the application of any technology, various factors should be considered. Precautionary measures should be observed so as to make sure that the application of the technology does not harm the members of the general public. Due to the minute nature of particles involved with nanotechnology, measures need to be put in place so as to make sure that the particles are handled appropriately (Foley and Wiek 6). Appropriate laboratories should be put in place to enhance the capacity of the world to handle this technology. There should be also existent a business gap to be filled by the technology (such as the need for smaller and more powerful electronic gadgets) for nanotechnology to be applied. Currently, such a need exists and therefore the adoption of the technology is warranted. Implications of Applying This Technology in Business Operations The application of nanotechnology as had a lot of impact on people’s daily lives. This has been felt in the legal, ethical, medical, communication and material science fields (Davies 1). This has slowly brought a new culture in the global community by changing various aspects of the existing cultures. The technology has been presented as a transformative technology due to its potential and ability to improve physical, economic and social wellbeing. The use of molecules and atoms has led to the manufacture of small integrated circuits which have helped create smaller device which are more portable devices and effective. As a result, there has been a gradual displacement of old fashioned devices from the market. Many are likely to lose employment especially those employed by organizations that apply outdated technologies. The devices made through the application of nanotechnology have facilitated the exchange of ideas and knowledge and made communication easier (Davies 3). This has been possible through creation of social networks. The social networks have facilitated the transfer of knowledge across the globe hence creating quicker information interchange systems that serve members of global society. This has facilitated interchange of ideologies across the globe which is the factor behind the growth of a global culture. The increased information interchange has been associated with several niceties and ills. Materials considered harmful have, for example, landed on the hands of individuals to the harm of society as a result of easy flow of information. Harmful materials in this respect include those that contain pornographic content that have been blamed on the high crime and immorality rates. Easy information exchange has also seen the rise of sophisticated crimes such as cyber terrorism (Davies 4). Security personnel hence face new challenges which ultimately translate to higher cost of security and increased fear among members of society. In the fields of medicine and agriculture, there has been much improvement in practices. The development of nanoparticles has facilitated the treatment of many deadly diseases, cancer included (Davies 2). This is a good for the global society as the threats of these diseases will be reduced. The field of agriculture has seen improved research methods. This is promising to cater to the increased demand for food by the rising global population. Future Development and Expectations With more research being conducted on the technology, nanotechnology is expected to come with numerous positive impacts on the society because all the sectors in the global economy are applying it in various ways. The field of medicine is undertaking research to come up with nanoparticles and nanorods which will work together to destroy cancerous tumors (Lauterwasser 10). The nanoparticles are expected to carry drugs to the tumor cells while the nanorods are expected to help in concentrating UV light of the desired wavelength to achieve the desired temperature for effective treatment of cancer. Achievement of this will lead to the easy control of cancer and heart diseases and hence lead to a healthier society. Efforts have been made to use nanoparticles in cleaning the environment. This is expected to be achieved through the use of such particles for the destruction of toxic substance within the environment (Foley and Wiek 7). This will be achieved by expanding the applications of nanoparticles that are used to clean ground water. This will help in eliminating diseases that are associated with contaminated environments. The technology will facilitate the collection and combination of very tiny particles. This is expected to make faultless elements which will be used in departments of security to make stronger and lighter armours than those made of steel. This achievement will be a big boost to security by giving the security personnel courage to execute their duties even in dangerous situations. Nanocircuits will also facilitate the creation of small surveillance gadgets and systems (Lauterwasser 15). These will be fixed in strategic places to collect intelligence information in all parts of the world hence leading to an improvement in the global security. These gadgets will, however, intrude on people’s privacy. Although the issues of privacy intrusion are not new in the globe, these devices will make them more rampant than ever. Conclusion Nanotechnology has emerged to be the most applicable technology in the modern world. It has fitted effectively in nearly all the sectors of economy. It has the capacity to produce small portable gadgets which are faultless and more effective than the ones existing. For it to be of high benefit to the society, all the risks associated with it must be handled appropriately. With the current trend, nanotechnology will take full control of the global market in the near future. I believe that nanotechnology will revolutionise the world just like the computer has ever since its innovation. Having the capacity to be applied in virtually every field, nanotechnology will see humans live and solve problems better. Perhaps instead of having to having to carry around a laptop to do work, humans will use more powerful miniature intuitive machines carried around by intelligent manmade flies to complete their tasks in the future, going by the developments in the field of nanotechnology. Works Cited Davies, C. Managing the Effects of Nanotechnology. Washington D.C. Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholar Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. 2009. Web. http://nanotechproject.org/index.php?s=reports. Foley Rider & Wiek Arnim. Urban NanoScape - Nanotechnology Expert Panel. Urban NanoScape Review. Arizona State University, School of Sustainability. 2011. Web. http://www.cspo.org/_php/php_getfile.php?file=606§ion=lib Knol, Erik. Nanotechnology and business opportunities: Scenarios as awareness instrument. Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Conference ‘High Technology Small Firms’, Enschede, the Netherlands, pp. 609 – 621. 2004. Web. http://www.qeam.com/docs/Knol_Nanotechnology%20Business%20Opportunities%20Scenarios.pdf Lauterwasser, Christoph. Small sizes that matter: Opportunities and risks of Nanotechnologies. Allianz Center for Technology. 2004. Web. http://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/nanosafety/44108334.pdf Xxxx adding more graphics and/or charts to break up the flow of the text just a bit. A table of contents and cover page will also be good additions to the paper. In your conclusion, expand your discussion beyond a mere summation of what you have written and speak from a more personal standpoint. What do you think? How do you feel? How will it affect your future? Read More