Nanomaterials have emerged as one of the most transformative areas of modern science and engineering, with their unique properties unlocking potential across diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage, medicine, and environmental sustainability. The extraordinary behaviour of materials at the nanoscale is a direct consequence of their reduced dimensions and the fundamental interplay of quantum mechanics, surface effects, and confinement phenomena. These traits challenge our understanding of physics and chemistry while opening new avenues for innovation.
This book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of nanomaterials, bridging the gap between theory and practice. It is designed to cater to students, researchers, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of this dynamic field. The text covers basic concept of length scale in physics, synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials with a special emphasis on its optical properties. By weaving together theoretical insights, experimental techniques, and applications, this book offers a holistic understanding of the field. It encourages readers to explore the interplay between size, structure, and functionality, fostering an appreciation for the rich physics governing nanomaterials.
The first section explores the diverse methods of synthesizing nanomaterials, ranging from chemical routes and physical techniques to bottom-up and top-down approaches. Each method is discussed in the context of scalability, precision, and the ability to control material properties, providing readers with a strong foundation to tailor materials for specific applications. The next section focuses on the length scales in physics, emphasizing the quantum size effect that dominates at the nanoscale. This phenomenon, where the electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of materials deviate dramatically from their bulk counterparts, is central to the discussion. Particular attention is given to the optical properties of nanomaterials, such as plasmonics, quantum confinement in semiconductors, and nanoscale light-matter interactions, which underpin advancements in areas like photovoltaics, photonics, and biosensing. Further, characterization of nanomaterials, an essential step for correlating structure and function is discussed. Techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and scanning probe methods are thoroughly explained, enabling readers to analyse the structural, morphological, and electronic properties of nanoscale systems with confidence. The final section discusses the basic principles behind the extraordinary optical properties of the nanomaterials. At nanoscale, phenomena such as quantum confinement, surface plasmon resonance, and enhanced light matter interactions dominate, leading to tunable optical behaviour that is absent in bulk materials. These properties enable nanomaterials to absorb, emit, and scatter light in highly specific ways, with applications ranging from advanced photonics to energy harvesting and biomedical imaging, making them a cornerstone of modern physics-driven technological innovations.
Contents –
UNIT-I: NANOSCALE SYSTEM
1. Length Scales in Physics
1.1 The Bohr radius
1.2 The Compton wavelength of the electron
1.3 The classical electron radius
1.4 The Planck length
2. Nanostructures and its classification
2.1 Zero-dimensional nanomaterials (0D) nanomaterials
2.2 One-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials
2.3 Two-dimensional nanomaterials (2D) nanomaterials
2.4 Three-dimensional nanomaterials (3D) nanomaterials or bulk materials
3. Density of state in four types of dimensional nanomaterials
3.1 Density of state in 3D (bulk) nanomaterials
3.2 Density of state in quantum wells (2D) nanomaterials
3.3 Density of state in quantum wires (1D) nanomaterials
3.4 Density of state in quantum dot (0D) in nanomaterials
4. Quantum Size Effect: Exploring the Unique Properties of Nanomaterials
4.1 Principle Behind Quantum Size Effect
4.2 Fundamentals of the Quantum Size Effect
4.3 Key Applications of Quantum Size Effect
4.4 Implications of Quantum Size Effect
5. Exploring Quantum Size Effect Further
5.1 Challenges and Future Perspectives
6. Looking at the Schrödinger Equation for Nanotechnology
6.1 The Schrödinger equation in quantum wires
6.2 The infinitely deep rectangular quantum wire
6.3 Simple approximation to a rectangular wire
6.4 Cylindrical wire
6.5 Schrodinger Equation for Quantum dots
Questions
UNIT II- SYNTHESIS OF NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS
1. Introduction
2. Photolithography
3. Ball milling
4. Gas phase condensation
5. Physical vapour deposition
6. Vacuum deposition
7. Thermal evaporation
8. Electron beam evaporation
9. Pulsed laser deposition
10. Chemical vapour deposition
11. Sol-Gel
12. Electro-deposition
13. Spray pyrolysis
14. Hydrothermal synthesis
15. Preparation through colloidal methods
16. MBE growth of quantam dots
Questions
UNIT III: CHARACTERISATION
1. X-ray diffraction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Principle
1.3 Instrumentation
1.4 Applications
2. Optical microscopy
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Principle
2.3 Instrumentation
2.4 Applications
3. Scanning electron microscopy
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Principle
3.3 Instrumentation
3.4 Applications
4. Transmission electron microscopy
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Principle
4.3 Instrumentation
4.4 Applications
5. Atomic force microscopy
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Principle
5.3 Instrumentation
5.4 Applications
6. Scanning tunnelling microscopy
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Principle
6.3 Instrumentation
6.4 Applications
Questions
UNIT IV: OPTICAL PROPERTIES
1. Coulombic interaction in Nanostructures/Charging nanostructures Coulomb blockade
2. Concept of Dielectric Constant for Nanosized systems
3. Quasi-particles
4. Excitons
5. Excitons in Semiconductor nanocrystals
6. Excitonic Absorption in semiconductors
7. Emission in semiconductor quantum confined structures.
8. Optical Properties of Heterostructures and Nanostructures
Questions
