9 - Miniaturization devices: A nanotechnological approach

Abstract

Nanotechnology is rising very fast as a new-age promising substitute to establish advanced materials with exceptional features and accomplishments for various purposes in numerous industrial segments. Various industrial sectors have also employed nano-approaches to manufacture high-added important products with improved ability, trustworthiness, and effectiveness. This obviously includes miniaturization. A pattern of micro-mechanical-electro techniques in combination with nanoscale structures permits the design of innovative miniaturized devices, which also widen the frontiers of the analytical methodologies. Extensive research and advancement ensued in several innovations, utilizing nanotechnology in miniaturized techniques, which comprise nanomedicine, microelectronics, fuel cell, energy devices, sensors, healthcare devices, etc. In this chapter, we have summarized the latest developments in miniaturization due to the nanotechnology arena with the objective to provide an understanding of the advancement of nano miniaturized tools and devices. Particular interests are given to such attempts that have a propensity to green and cost-effective. In spite of the apparent advantages of nanomaterials, there are probable and ELSI (ethical, legal, and social issues), which require suitable approaches to assess their solutions. This chapter has also referred to these concerns to foresee the impacts of these problems of nanomaterials for miniaturization devices and technologies for the present and future.