Program Structure

Module 1: What is Nanotechnology?

• Definitions and nanoscale range.
• Why nanoscale changes properties.
• Surface-to-volume ratio and interface dominance.
• Examples of nano-enabled products (overview).

Module 2: Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena

• Quantum confinement concepts.
• Optical and electronic property changes.
• Mechanical strength and size effects.
• Surface energy and reactivity basics.

Module 3: Classes of Nanomaterials

• 0D, 1D, 2D, 3D nanostructures.
• Carbon nanomaterials: graphene, CNT, fullerenes (overview).
• Metal/oxide nanoparticles (overview).
• Polymer and biomolecule-based nanomaterials (overview).

Module 4: Synthesis Approaches

• Top-down: milling, lithography (overview).
• Bottom-up: sol-gel, hydrothermal, CVD (overview).
• Green synthesis concepts.
• Controlling size, shape, and dispersity.

Module 5: Characterization Tools

• Size and dispersion: DLS concepts.
• Morphology: SEM/TEM concepts.
• Structure: XRD basics.
• Surface chemistry: FTIR/Raman concepts.

Module 6: Properties and Performance

• Optical properties and plasmonics (intro).
• Electrical conductivity and percolation concepts.
• Magnetic properties basics.
• Thermal properties and heat transfer (overview).

Module 7: Applications Across Sectors

• Nanomedicine: drug delivery and diagnostics (overview).
• Energy: batteries, solar, catalysis (overview).
• Environment: water treatment, sensors (overview).
• Industry: coatings, composites, electronics (overview).

Module 8: Safety, Ethics, and Scale-Up

• Nanotoxicology basics and exposure routes.
• Safe handling: PPE, storage, waste disposal.
• Reproducibility, standards, and quality control concepts.
• Lifecycle thinking and sustainability.

Final Project

• Choose an application (medicine/energy/environment/industry).
• Deliverables: material choice + synthesis route + characterization plan + safety notes.
• Submit: short proposal and learning summary.