How are nanomaterials manufactured?

Nanomaterials are manufactured using various techniques, employing both top-down and bottom-up approaches. In the top-down approach, larger materials are broken down into smaller nanoscale particles through processes like milling or attrition. This method allows control over particle size and shape but may result in limited chemical composition options. The bottom-up approach involves building nanomaterials atom by atom or molecule by molecule, using techniques such as chemical vapor deposition or sol-gel processes. These methods offer precise control over chemical composition and greater flexibility in designing nanomaterial properties. Additionally, some nanomaterials can be synthesized biologically through biological self-assembly processes. Overall, the manufacturing process of nanomaterials depends on the desired properties and applications, and it often involves a combination of techniques to achieve the desired structure, size, composition, and characteristics.