Nanotechnology: The passive, hybrid and active sides

ORGN 378

James M. Tour, tour@rice.edu, The Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Rice University, Chemistry Department, MS 222, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005
In the presenter's view, there are three areas of nanotechnology: passive, hybrid and active areas. The passive side is already upon us and actively being applied in materials applications. Hybrid systems are poised to play a greater role in devices where nano-sized elements complement a known platform. Truly active nanotechnological systems, such as nanometer-sized switches and machines, are presently being investigated in the laboratory but their utility is further away. Examples of each category will be presented with the following applications:

(A) Passive: Carbon nanotubes for high performance materials and microwave absorbing coatings.

(B) Hybrids: Molecules working in concert with silicon for “silicon with afterburners.”

(C) Active: Nanocars.