[...]... nanoparticles include: NANOTECHNOLOGY A TECHNOLOGY FORECAST >> April 2003 27 Transparent coatings (aluminum oxide, niobia): Nanoparticles are significantly smaller than the wavelength of visible light, and, therefore, many materials can be made transparent by applying in a continuous coating Nanoparticles, however, retain many of the physical properties they have as bulk materials, particularly hardness... Brownsville, Pan American, Arlington, and Dallas have established a nanotechnology consortium called “Nano at the Border” , which seeks to introduce the field of nanotechnology to South Texas “The goal of the initiative is to create an integrated, interdisciplinary education and research program in nanotechnology that allows participants on each campus to have the most advanced information about this... Intelligence Agency World Fact Book, National Science Foundation, state government websites, and Michael Porter Information compiled and analyzed by Conrad Masterson of the Texas Nanotechnology Foundation Data are generally for 1999 except for Nano Funding, which are 2001 data for states and 2002 data for foreign governments 20 NANOTECHNOLOGY A TECHNOLOGY FORECAST >> April 2003 Nanotechnology: State of the Art... (platinum, paladium, cerium oxide): The extremely high surface-area-to-mass ratio of nanoparticles makes them extremely effective catalysts Nanoparticle-based catalysts can be used in lower amounts to provide for faster reactions than traditional, lower surface area catalysts Energetic materials (aluminum, boron): Although nanoparticles do not contain any more energy than larger size particles, the... participants on each campus to have the most advanced information about this field The initiative will include classes and other means of information exchange as part of formal education programs and degree plans, development of faculty and student expertise, and enhanced outreach and commercialization.”10 Among those taking an interest in the nano programs at the state’s universities are large technology. .. Molecular Science) Finally, The University of Texas system campuse at Austin, Brownsville, Pan American, Arlington, and Dallas have established a nanotechnology consortium called “Nano at the Border” which , seeks to introduce the field of nanotechnology to South Texas “The goal of the initiative is to create an integrated, interdisciplinary education and research program in nanotechnology that allows participants... thinner adhesive layers and greater heat transport, and, therefore, more features in a smaller package Biologically active materials (silver, other noble metals): Because nanoparticles are on the same order of size as many biological structures, they can have much greater biological effects than the same material of larger size Nanoparticles have been proven to be extremely effective in anti-infection bandages... bandages and as a biocide when mixed into polymers Biomedical applications (lanthanum carbonate, zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide): The human body presents a challenging environment for materials, an environment in which the properties of nanoparticles have a distinct advantage For example, nanoparticles can be used to aid drug delivery or as structural materials in dental restoratives Catalysts (platinum,... initiative will include classes and other means of information exchange as part of formal education programs and degree plans, development of faculty and student expertise, and enhanced outreach and commercialization.”14 Name Technical Advisory Committee Member Phone Number Nanotechnology Area Strategic Partnership for Research in Nanotechnology (SPRING) Dr Paul Barbara (512) 471-2053 (UT Austin) All... sized nanoparticles Photovoltaics (titanium dioxide, niobia): Traditional solar cells have remained relatively expensive despite decades of development Alternative designs based on the high surface area and photoactive nature of nanoparticles are already approaching the efficiency of traditional solar cells 28 NANOTECHNOLOGY A TECHNOLOGY FORECAST >> April 2003 Electronics/Information Technologies and . Texas. “The goal of the initiative is to create an integrated, interdisciplinary education and research program in nanotechnology that allows participants on each campus to have the most advanced. initiative is to create an integrated, interdisciplinary education and research program in nanotechnology that allows participants on each campus to have the most advanced information about this field in “Imaging and Characterization;” “Commercial Opportunities for Nanoparticles”, and “Commercial Opportunities for Bionanotechnology” in the Nanotechnology: State of the Art” section. NANOTECHNOLOGY