Finding Room At The Bottom - History Of Nanotechnology And Nano Materials

In 1959, at a lecture held at Caltech, Richard Feynman presented an outline regarding the potential for the miniaturisation of mechanical and electronic devices. Feynman suggested reducing components to molecular scales. The lecture, titled "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom", marked the beginning of systematic research into nanoscale phenomena.

The invention of the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) in 1981 enabled researchers to observe and manipulate individual atoms. The device provided a capacity to examine molecular structures with a resolution of up to 0.1 nanometres.

In 1985, scientists at Rice University detected fullerene molecules, which consist entirely of carbon atoms arranged in polyhedral formations. Further study identified carbon nanotubes, which typically have diameters of approximately 1 nanometre.

However, these methodologies did not result in cost-effective production. In 1986, Eric Drexler published his book "Engines of Creation", in which he examined the concept of molecular assemblers that replicate autonomously. This concept raised concerns among scientific communities regarding the potential outcomes of deploying such devices.

Graphene, a one-atom-thick carbon sheet, was discovered later, and a new extraction process was developed. Its discoverers received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010. Graphene offers technical applications in high-speed electronics, efficient energy storage and durable components. These applications provide quantifiable performance improvements compared with existing systems.

Nanotechnology research continues steadily with frequent advancements. Given increased financial support and refined technical methods, international research activity is expanding.