Science and technology of nanomaterials: current status and future prospects

The science and technology of nanomaterials has created great excitement and expectations in the last few years. By its very nature, the subject is of immense academic interest, having to do with very tiny objects in the nanometer regime. There has already been much progress in the synthesis, assembly and fabrication of nanomaterials, and, equally importantly, in the potential applications of these materials in a wide variety of technologies. The next decade is likely to witness major strides in the preparation, characterization and exploitation of nanoparticles, nanotubes and other nanounits, and their assemblies. In addition, there will be progress in the discovery and commercialization of nanotechnologies and devices. These new technologies are bound to have an impact on the chemical, energy, electronics and space industries. They will also have applications in medicine and health care, drug and gene delivery being important areas. This article examines the important facets of nanomaterials research, highlighting the current trends and future directions. Since synthesis, structure, properties and simulation are important ingredients of nanoscience, materials chemists have a major role to play.