Nanochemistry

Nanochemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of materials at the nanoscale, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. At this dimensional regime, materials often exhibit novel size- and shape-dependent properties—such as enhanced catalytic activity, unique optical behaviors, and different electronic characteristics—that are not observed in their bulk counterparts. As a highly interdisciplinary field, it merges principles from chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology to design and fabricate functional nanostructures from the atomic or molecular level upwards, leading to advancements in areas like targeted drug delivery, advanced catalysts, next-generation electronics, and high-efficiency energy solutions.

1. Introduction to Nanochemistry
   1. Defining the Nanoscale
      1. Size Regimes
      2. Comparison to Atomic Scale
      3. Comparison to Bulk Scale
      4. Distinction Between Nanomaterials and Bulk Materials
      5. Measurement at the Nanoscale
      6. Visualization at the Nanoscale
   2. Fundamental Principles
      1. Increased Surface Area to Volume Ratio
         1. Implications for Reactivity
         2. Effects on Physical Properties
      2. Quantum Confinement Effects
         1. Energy Level Discretization
         2. Impact on Optical Properties
         3. Impact on Electronic Properties
      3. Surface Energy and Reactivity
         1. Surface Atoms and Defects
         2. Surface Functionalization
      4. Emergence of Novel Properties
   3. Historical Context and Key Milestones
      1. Early Concepts
         1. Feynman's "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom"
         2. Initial Theoretical Predictions
      2. Discovery of Fullerenes
         1. Synthesis of C60
         2. Characterization of Fullerenes
      3. Discovery of Carbon Nanotubes
         1. Identification of Carbon Nanotubes
         2. Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes
      4. Development of Scanning Probe Microscopy
         1. Invention of STM
         2. Invention of AFM
         3. Impact on Nanoscience Research
      5. Nobel Prizes and Major Breakthroughs
      6. Growth of the Nanochemistry Field