Jute is a versatile natural fiber that has been used for centuries in a variety of applications. Enter jute nanotechnology, as in recent years, jute has been garnering attention for its potential in nanotechnology.
Nanofibers derived from jute are durable and lightweight, making them useful in numerous fields including automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. Additionally, jute is biodegradable and recyclable, making it a more eco-friendly option than other synthetic fibers. But before we begin, first we will take a look at what nanotechnology is and its potential benefits. Let’s get started.
Nanotechnology: What It Is and How It Works
The term “nanotechnology” refers to the practical application of research into and manipulation of matter at the atomic, molecular, and supramolecular levels. Many definitions have been proposed for nanotechnology, but the most common one is the control of matter with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nanometers. Reflecting the importance of quantum mechanical effects at this quantum-realm scale, the definition broadened from a specific technological goal to encompass all forms of research and technologies that deal with the unique properties of matter that occur below the specified size threshold.
Nanotechnology encompasses a vast area of study and practical application, from new methods based on molecular self-assembly to extensions of traditional device physics. Many industries, from medicine and electronics to consumer goods and energy production, stand to gain from advances in nanotechnology. Researchers aren’t in agreement about the long-term effects of nanotechnology. Others worry about the potential effects of nanomaterials on the global economy as well as their toxicity and environmental impact.
What is the history of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology?
The history of nanoscience can be traced back to the early 1980s when researchers discovered the potential applications of nanotechnology. During this time, nanotechnology was subject to growing public awareness and controversy.
Some prominent debates about its potential implications centered on the idea of molecular assemblers, which were a central concept in the development of nanotechnology.
However, by the early 2000s, the field of nanotechnology had experienced a resurgence, with significant advances being made in the development of nanoscale devices and materials. Today, nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field with significant potential implications for both the scientific and commercial realms.
What Are Nanomaterials?
Nanomaterials are materials that possess, at minimum, one external dimension measuring 1-100nm. The definition given by the European Commission states that the particle size of at least half of the particles in the number size distribution must measure 100nm or below. Nanomaterials can be found in nature, made as a byproduct of combustion reactions, or engineered to serve a specific purpose. These materials can have different physical and chemical properties to their bulk-form counterparts.
Uses of Nanomaterials
The uses of nanomaterials span across various industries, from healthcare and cosmetics to environmental preservation and air purification. One major use of nanomaterials in the healthcare field is drug delivery. To better transport chemotherapy drugs to tumors and to deliver drugs to damaged artery areas in the fight against cardiovascular disease, nanoparticles are currently under development.
Carbon nanotubes are also being developed in order to be used in processes such as the addition of antibodies to the nanotubes to create bacteria sensors. In aerospace, carbon nanotubes can be used in the morphing of aircraft wings. The nanotubes are used in a composite form to bend in response to the application of an electric voltage. Elsewhere, environmental preservation processes make use of nanomaterials too – in this case, nanowires.
Applications are being developed to use the nanowires – zinc oxide nanowires- in flexible solar cells and play a role in the treatment of polluted water.
Sectors That Have Found Success With Nanomaterials
The use of nanomaterials is prevalent in a wide range of industries and consumer products.
Sunscreens containing mineral nanoparticles, like titanium oxide, are popular in the cosmetics industry because they last longer than those containing the more traditional chemical UV filters. Titanium oxide nanoparticles, like the bulk material, can increase UV protection, but they also have the added benefit of eliminating the unattractive bleaching effect often associated with sunscreen.
Carbon nanotubes have been used in the manufacturing of baseball bats, allowing for the creation of lighter and more effective bats. The use of antimicrobial nanotechnology in items like the towels and mats used by athletes to prevent illnesses caused by bacteria is another application of nanomaterials in this sector.
Nanomaterials have also been developed for use in the military. Mobile pigment nanoparticles, for instance, can be injected into the fabric of soldiers’ uniforms to create a more effective form of camouflage. Nanomaterials like titanium dioxide have been utilized by the military in the development of sensitive sensor systems capable of identifying the presence of biological agents.
The use of nano-titanium dioxide also extends to use in coatings to form self-cleaning surfaces, such as those of plastic garden chairs. A sealed film of water is created on the layer, and any dirt dissolves in the film, after which the next shower will remove the dirt and essentially clean the chairs.
The Potential of Jute as a Source for Nanomaterials
Jute is an important natural fiber crop in South Asia next to cotton. It contributed robustly to countries’ economies; it was considered the “Golden Fiber.” Yet, the use of jute fibers has decreased because of the wide accessibility of long-lasting and fashionable synthetic fiber products in the market. Consequently, the scientists were drawn by the availability of vast amounts of unused, cheap, and environmental-friendly jute fibers and sticks for their utilization in nanotechnology.
For its origin in the corchor plant, the scientific name for jute is Corchorus Capsularis. One of the most abundant bast fibers, jute is also one of the least expensive natural fibers. Jute can be used in nanotechnology because it is primarily made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin and only contains a trace amount of ash.
The use of jute fibers has decreased because of the wide accessibility of long-lasting and fashionable synthetic fiber products in the market. However, jute fibers remain an attractive option for nanotechnology due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. Additionally, the vast availability of unused jute fibers makes them a desirable option for nanotechnology applications.
What Are Some Potential Eco-friendly Applications of Jute Nanotechnology?
One potential application of jute nanotechnology is the use of jute fibers in environmental remediation. Jute fibers can be used to trap and remove pollutants from water and air. The fibers are also biodegradable, so they can be broken down into their component parts and eliminated from the environment.
Another application of jute nanotechnology is the use of jute fibers in the production of energy storage devices. Jute fibers can be used to create electrodes for energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and batteries.
The electrodes can be made from jute fibers with a fine, porous structure that has a high surface area. This high surface area can allow the electrodes to absorb a large amount of energy. Jute nanotechnology can also be used to create sensors.
Sensors are devices that are used to measure and monitor different parameters. Jute nanotechnology can be used to create sensors that are sensitive to different types of pollutants. The sensors can be used to monitor air quality, water quality, and soil quality.
The Different Ways in Which Jute Can Be Used in Nanotechnology
Pure nanocellulose, nano-lignin, and nanocarbon preparation can all be extracted from jute, making it an ideal material for use in nanotechnology. The hemicellulose and lignin found in jute fibers and sticks, respectively, can be used as a reductant and stabilizer in the production of other nanomaterials. In addition, jute has served as a starting point for the development of nanomaterials with wide-ranging applications.
Nanocellulose synthesis, catalysis, carbon preparation, the life sciences, coatings, polymers, energy storage, drug delivery, fertilizer delivery, electrochemistry, and stabilizer synthesis are just a few of the many areas of study that can benefit from jute. The opportunities for jute-based nanotechnology are vast and we look forward to seeing more progress in this field.
Nanotechnology Could Aid in Remediating Toxic Agricultural Soil
Nanotechnology could be a valuable tool for remediation of toxic agricultural soil. By manipulating the size and shape of nanomaterials, it may be possible to more easily break down and remove toxic materials from the soil. In a study conducted by the University of Delaware, it was found that the use of nanoscale particles in soil remediation can increase the amount of heavy metals that are broken down by bacteria. In this study, the use of silver and gold nanoparticles was found to be more effective at breaking down the heavy metals than traditional methods.
By using nanotechnology, it may be possible to remediate toxic agricultural soil without having to use large amounts of chemicals. This would be a more environmentally friendly way to cleanup the soil and remove the toxic materials. Additionally, nanotechnology could be used to monitor the success of remediation. By monitoring the amount of heavy metals remaining in the soil, it could help to determine when the remediation process is complete.
Overall, nanotechnology could be a valuable tool for remediation of toxic agricultural soil. By manipulating the size and shape of nanomaterials, it may be possible to more easily break down and remove toxic materials from the soil. This could be a more environmentally friendly way to cleanup the soil and remove the toxic materials.
The Future Prospects of Jute-based Nanotechnology
The potential of jute-based nanotechnology is truly vast, as it has been found to be suitable for a range of applications in both current and future nanotechnology fields. For example, jute-derived carbon can be used in various areas such as energy storage, water treatment, and sensors.
Additionally, jute-based nanocomposites can be used in a variety of applications such as solar cells, batteries, and light-emitting diodes. Overall, the prospects for jute-based nanotechnology are very promising and are poised for continued growth in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
There is still much research to be done in order to fully unlock the potential of jute nanomaterials. However, the initial results are promising and suggest that jute could be a valuable source for a variety of nanomaterials.
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