Nanotechnology Initiative Division

Imagine a designer T shirt which gives you protection from cold in the harsh winters of Delhi and at the same time provides the much needed cooling effect from the scorching heat of the summer months. Surprised? It is possible by putting a nano-coating on the fabric. Well smart-clothing is just one of the many applications of Nanotechnology which holds the promise to be a one-stop solution for everything from the dream of smart clothing, getting cheap and clean energy to complex defence equipments.

Nanotechnology, the new buzzword, in simple terms means molecular engineering. In a nanoscale, one nanometre (nm) is equal to one billionth of a metre. The extent of the smallness can be gauged from the fact that one nanometre is approximately about one hundred thousand times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Nanotechnology has far reaching applications in various spheres for example in defence sector it could help in developing Sensors which can be fitted to a soldier’s uniform. On the event of the soldier getting wounded and blood oozes out to come in touch with the Sensor, immediate information could be transmitted to the base unit.  Another significant application of nanotechnology is its potential for tapping clean solar energy. Nano solar cells embedded in flexible plastics can adjust to the shape and terrain of the rooftops or can be ingrained into building materials such as siding and tiles that gives the possibility to produce energy at every roof top thus solving to a large extent India’s energy challenge.

The multiple benefits that nanotechnology has brought in has seen it fast become an interdisciplinary field with Biologists, Physicists, Chemists, Engineers and Doctors all converging to study substances at the nanoscale. Some of the applications of nanotechnology are in the field of medicine, electronics, clean energy, food, space, water, textile- the possibilities are immense. Understanding the immense potential of nanotechnology and its wide ranging applications to benefit common people, DIT had initiated the Nanotechnology Development Programme in 2004, through which it plans to create R & D capacity and infrastructure in nanoelectronics at national level. The emphasis is on small and medium level research projects in specific areas of nanoelectronics such as nanomaterials, nanodevices, carbon nanotubes (CNT), nanosystems, nanometrology, et al.

• Projects
• Capacity Building
• Research Output

For Further Information:

Dr. G. V. Ramaraju
Scientist G & Head of Division
Nanotechnology Initiative Division
Telefax: +91-11-24365415
Email: gramaraju AT mit.gov.in