Nanotechnology encompasses a broad range of materials & processes on a sub-micron scale. Nanotechnology materials have been in use for many years, however, recent developments in synthesis by high temperature chemistry have aided new materials structures. These new materials exhibit new & unexpected properties & behaviours. Adaptation of these structures is the key to taking advantage of these materials. Current nanotechnology applications cover areas of rheological control (aerogels), composite structures (grapheme sheets) & surface modification (transparent hydrophobic coatings). Future uses of nano-materials are envisioned in information storage in the gigabyte range, antibacterial & anti-fungal agents with surface active components, detoxification of contaminated clothing, fuel cells, energy storage & targeted drug delivery vehicles.
