Nanotechnology Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Interdisciplinary Scientific Principles

Integrates physics, chemistry, and biology concepts essential for nanoscale engineering. Students gain the cross-disciplinary vocabulary needed for all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 2 • History and Evolution of Nanotechnology

Traces nanotechnology from early theoretical proposals to current industrial applications. Provides historical context that motivates the engineering challenges addressed throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • The Nanoscale World

Defines the nanometer scale and contrasts nanoscale with macro and microscale properties. Anchors all subsequent material in a precise understanding of size-dependent behaviour.

Lesson 4 • Nanotechnology Application Domains

Surveys medicine, electronics, energy, and environmental sectors where nanotechnology creates value. Motivates engineering choices explored in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Two-Dimensional and Hybrid Nanomaterials

Explores MXenes, transition metal dichalcogenides, and organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructures. Highlights emerging material classes that expand design possibilities beyond classical nanomaterials.

Lesson 2 • Polymeric and Lipid Nanostructures

Introduces polymer nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles for encapsulation. Bridges materials science and biomedical delivery concepts introduced later.

Lesson 3 • Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Examines gold, silver, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles and their tunable properties. Connects plasmonic, magnetic, and photocatalytic behaviours to engineering design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

Covers fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene structures, properties, and synthesis routes. Establishes carbon nanomaterials as a benchmark for comparing other nanomaterial families.

Lesson 1 • Scanning Probe Lithography

Introduces dip-pen nanolithography, AFM-based oxidation, and tip-induced manipulation. Demonstrates direct-write nanopatterning at single-molecule resolution.

Lesson 2 • Chemical Vapor Deposition and Epitaxy

Details CVD, ALD, and molecular beam epitaxy for thin-film and nanostructure growth. Provides process parameter knowledge required for controlled layer-by-layer fabrication.

Lesson 3 • Top-Down Lithographic Methods

Covers photolithography, electron-beam lithography, and nanoimprint lithography for patterning. Establishes resolution limits and trade-offs central to semiconductor nanofabrication.

Lesson 4 • Scalable Nanomanufacturing Processes

Addresses roll-to-roll processing, spray coating, and inkjet printing for large-area nanofabrication. Bridges laboratory techniques to industrial-scale production requirements.

Lesson 1 • Electron Microscopy Techniques

Covers SEM, TEM, and STEM imaging modes for morphology and crystal structure analysis. Provides the interpretive skills needed to validate nanofabrication outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Scanning Probe Microscopy

Examines AFM, STM, and related modes for surface topography and local property mapping. Connects probe-based imaging to fabrication feedback and quality assurance.

Lesson 3 • Optical and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Covers UV-Vis, Raman, FTIR, and photoluminescence spectroscopy for chemical and optical characterisation. Links spectral signatures to nanomaterial composition and defect states.

Lesson 4 • X-Ray and Neutron Scattering Methods

Introduces XRD, SAXS, and neutron scattering for bulk structural and phase analysis. Enables characterisation of crystallinity, particle size distribution, and lattice parameters.

Lesson 1 • Plasmonics and Nanophotonic Devices

Explores surface plasmon resonance, nanoantennas, and photonic crystal structures. Demonstrates how nanoscale optical confinement enables sensing, imaging, and light manipulation.

Lesson 2 • Nanoscale Transistors and Logic Devices

Analyses FinFET, gate-all-around, and carbon nanotube transistor architectures. Connects device geometry to short-channel effects and power scaling challenges.

Lesson 3 • Nanoscale Sensors and Actuators

Introduces nanowire sensors, NEMS resonators, and piezoelectric nanogenerators. Links transduction mechanisms to sensitivity limits and real-world detection applications.

Lesson 4 • Nanoscale Memory Technologies

Covers phase-change memory, resistive RAM, and magnetic tunnel junction memory cells. Evaluates switching mechanisms and endurance characteristics for next-generation storage.

Lesson 1 • Nano-Bio Interface Fundamentals

Examines protein corona formation, cell membrane interactions, and endocytosis pathways. Provides the biological context required to engineer safe and effective nanomedicine systems.

Lesson 2 • Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Covers passive EPR effect, active ligand targeting, and stimuli-responsive release mechanisms. Connects nanocarrier design parameters to therapeutic efficacy and off-target reduction.

Lesson 3 • Nanoscale Diagnostics and Biosensing

Introduces lateral flow assays, electrochemical biosensors, and SERS-based diagnostics. Demonstrates how nanomaterials amplify detection signals to clinically relevant sensitivity levels.

Lesson 4 • Nanomaterials in Tissue Engineering

Explores nanofiber scaffolds, nanocomposite hydrogels, and bioactive nanocoatings for tissue regeneration. Connects scaffold architecture to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Nanomaterials in Fuel Cells and Electrolysis

Examines platinum nanoparticle catalysts, single-atom catalysts, and nanostructured membranes. Links catalyst surface area and activity to hydrogen production and fuel cell efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Supercapacitors and Hybrid Energy Storage

Introduces graphene, MXene, and metal oxide electrodes for electrochemical capacitors. Evaluates energy and power density trade-offs in hybrid supercapacitor architectures.

Lesson 3 • Nanomaterials in Photovoltaics

Analyses quantum dot solar cells, perovskite nanocrystals, and plasmonic light trapping. Connects nanoscale optical and electronic properties to photovoltaic efficiency gains.

Lesson 4 • Nanostructured Electrodes for Batteries

Covers silicon nanowire anodes, nanostructured cathodes, and solid electrolyte interfaces. Addresses how nanostructuring improves capacity, rate capability, and cycle life.

Lesson 1 • Nanotoxicology Principles

Examines dose-response relationships, exposure routes, and organ-level toxicity of engineered nanomaterials. Provides the scientific basis for risk assessment in occupational and consumer contexts.

Lesson 2 • Ethics and Societal Implications

Addresses dual-use concerns, equitable access, public perception, and responsible innovation frameworks. Equips engineers to integrate ethical reasoning into nanotechnology research and product decisions.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory Frameworks for Nanomaterials

Surveys nanomaterial definitions, notification requirements, and safety dossier expectations across major regulatory systems. Prepares students to navigate compliance for product development and market entry.

Lesson 4 • Environmental Fate and Remediation

Analyses nanomaterial transport, transformation, and persistence in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Connects environmental fate data to responsible disposal and remediation design.