Historically, nanotechnology has provoked its fair share of hype, but also some fears around possible impacts on human health and the environment. In reality, nanotechnology is neither saviour nor destroyer of the world – it is an exciting emerging research field with the potential to help with a variety of global challenges. Today’s nanoscience community is busy with such worthwhile tasks as developing methods of water purification, producing nanoparticles for bioimaging and developing new coatings to prevent corrosion to steel structures.
Find out more by reading the Physics World Focus on Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials, which you can access in our digital magazine or via the Physics World app for any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.