A Review on Nanotechnology: Analytical Techniques Use and Applications

The combination of nanotechnology with molecular biology, information technology and instrumentation, is opening the door to a new industrial age. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge of nanotechnology in synthesizing, identifying and characterization of nanomaterials using analytical techniques. Physical and chemical approach synthesis of nanomaterials befalls challenges in the development of analytical techniques used to characterize them. The major techniques include: Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, X ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Single Phase Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy, X ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, X ray Absorption Fine Structure, Capillary Electrophoretic Separations, Magnetic nano particles coupled HPLC and Dynamic light scattering. Nanomaterials have been characterized for the extensive potential applications in optics, electronics, magnetics, and catalysts; chemical sensing, biomedicine, micro reactor, and they have been applied in food, biological, environmental and pharmaceuticals uses. In spite of the extended use of nano particles in diverse consumer products, there is a great concern over the unexpected impact or effects on humans due to exposure.