Nanotechnology Equipment

Nanotechnology, the manipulation and study of matter at the nanoscale, allows scientists to develop innovative solutions to global challenges. At the resolution of one nanometer (one billionth of a meter), matter can be studied and manipulated on a molecular level.

Nanoparticle production uses processes such as sonication, the application of sound energy to agitate particles for the purpose of creating engineered nanoparticles. This research has resulted in the creation of nanogels used in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, nanopillars for solar panels and antibacterial surfaces, nanowires in semiconductors, productive nanosystems in synthetic chemistry and quantum dots in electronic devices. Today over 800 nanotech products are out on the market and the numbers are growing. A bourgeoning realm of research and government funding is supramolecular chemistry, the study of weaker or noncovalent bonds between molecules for applications in catalysis, medicine, data storage and green chemistry.

Along with the benefits of nanotechnology are concerns on the hazards of certain nanomaterials due to their highly active state at nanometer dimensions. Risk assessment delves into health and environmental implications on toxicity and laboratory safety. Containment is of great concern, which is why much of the research is done within clean and controlled environments. Equipping a nanotechnology lab starts with instruments and tools listed below such as nano enclosures and glove boxes, ideal for containing toxic particulates during nanoparticle manipulation and operator protection.