Chapter 6 - Particle-by-Particle Nanotechnology

Abstract

In an effort to speed up the atom-by-atom fabrication process, it was suggested that instead of using mechanical manipulation of atom by atom as Feynman suggested, we would start out with pre-assembled nanoparticles, clusters, or quantum dots consisting of 30–1000 atoms as building blocks. This chapter presents the concept of using particle-by-particle in nanotechnology. It first presents the concept of top-down and bottom-up concepts of synthesizing nanoparticles. The chapters then introduce some of the most popular nano blocks or components, namely silicon-, carbon-, and metal-based nanoparticles. It also presents the reason as to why nanoparticles are innovative and useful for use in nanotechnology. The chapter ends by introducing President Clinton initiative that catalyzed the particle-by-particle concept while sidetracking Drexler campaign for the atom-by-atom concept.