Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing science and a number of methods are now available for producing nanoparticles. However, some of these methods employ high energy requirements, low material conversions and the use of hazardous chemicals. Hence, there is a growing need to develop eco-friendly nanoparticle synthesis methods.
By Stuart Milne
19 Sep 2014
Black silicon is a semiconductor material with a needle-shaped surface structure. It's similar to silicon but with a modified surface that has extremely low reflectivity and a high absorption rate of visible and infrared light. Black Silicon has helped researchers develop more efficient solar cells and it may also offer benefits for the medical sector.
Research and development does not currently seem to be a focus area for Saudi Arabia. While their commitment is still quite frugal, it is increasing, which means that opportunities may begin to open up which may both reduce the brain drain and open up opportunities for more nanotechnology research.
The production of a working quantum computer has become a real possibility, thanks to recent developments in the nanotechnology field, but there is still a long way to go.
By Alexander Chilton
17 Sep 2014
Nanowires have a number of exciting properties which are not exhibited by 3-D or bulk materials. This is due to the fact that electrons within the nanowires are quantum confined and have energy levels that differ from that of the bulk materials.
The successful fabrication of single layered graphene has generated a great deal of interest and research into graphene in recent years. One of the most recent advancements is the development of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) layers of graphene with ultra-thin width of less than 50 nm.
By Alessandro Pirolini
16 Sep 2014
In the near future, it is very likely that hospital patients will no longer have to be hooked up to wires and monitors thanks to the emergence of temporary electronic tattoos which can be used to monitor the vital signs of a patient.
By Alexander Chilton
15 Sep 2014
Graphene has been the focal point for many research projects in recent years. It has proved to be one the most diverse materials known to man and recently a team of researchers from Northwestern Engineering have stumbled upon a method of creating graphene ink while trying to discover a new method producing graphene.
By Stuart Milne
12 Sep 2014
Scientists are keen to exploit the advantages that plasmonic nanoparticles can offer. Recent research using these nanoparticles has revealed many beneficial and potential applications including cancer treatment, plasmonic solar cells and biomedical applications.
By Stuart Milne
11 Sep 2014
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a non-destructive and non-intrusive imaging technique used to visualise the intricate structure of microorganisms such as viruses at extraordinarily high resolutions. Using AFM, researchers can identify and study membranes, RNA and DNA, and protein assemblies and their substructures.
By Alexander Chilton
10 Sep 2014