Elements often behave differently on a nanoscale than they do on larger scales. Materials that small have a higher surface are to volume ratio, so the interactions with surrounding materials become more significant (Nanotechnology).
Since ancient times, artists have been utilizing nanocomposites, a subset of nanotechnology. Nanocomposite materials are composed of nanoscale particles of different elements that have been fused together to create a bulk composite material with more useful properties. For example, the Lycurgus cup (dated AD 400, from the Roman empire) is made of glass infused with a gold and silver alloy. When light is reflected off the cup, it appears green, but when light passes through it, it appears red (Daw).
Lycurgus Cup - AD 400.
Today, researchers are finding novel ways to apply nanotechnology. Jung Hee Kim, of University of Illinoi at Urbana-Champaign, uses silver nanoparticles to create an ink that conducts electricity. Wires can literally be drawn onto various surfaces (Yirka). The picture below depicts an array of LEDs mounted on a piece of paper and connected by hand-drawn lines of the silver ink. Current goes through the lines, or wires, to light up the LEDs.
LEDs connected by silver ink. (Han)
Artists are also incorporating nanotechnology into their work. Cris Orfescu is a nanoscientist and artist who uses chemical processes to create nano-sized sculptures and landscapes, then uses a scanning electron microscope to create digital images of his work. He hopes that his "NanoArt" will pique the public's interest in nanotechnology, which will lead to them furthering their understanding and knowledge of modern day applications of nanotechnology (Orfescu).
Examples of NanoArt by Cris Orfescu
Works Cited
Daw, Rosamund. "Nanotechnology Is Ancient History." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 18 May 2015.
Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. "The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science." The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. N.p., May 2003. Web. 18 May 2015.
Han, Bok Yeop. LEDs connected by silver ink. Digital image. Phys.org. Phys.org, 28 June 2011. Web. 18 May 2015.
Lycurgus Cup - AD 400. Digital image. The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 18 May 2015.
Nanotechnology - Big Things from a Small World. Arlington, VA: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, n.d. PDF.
Orfescu, Cris. Examples of NanoArt. Digital image. Studio19. Studio19, n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.
Orfescu, Cris. "NanoArt INTERNATIONAL." NanoArt 21. EMarketing21, n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.
Yirka, Bob. "Researchers Create Rollerball-pen Ink to Draw Circuits."Researchers Create Rollerball-pen Ink to Draw Circuits. Phys.org, 28 June 2011. Web. 18 May 2015.
Hi Abby!
ReplyDeleteI loved the focus of nanotechnology in aesthetic applications in your post. While nanotechnology is revolutionizing traditional sciences and technology, especially in drug delivery, conducting materials, and special property materials, the popularity of nanoscale materials is heavily influenced by the visual properties it imparts. For example, the original use of nanoparticle colloidal materials, as cited in your paper, was for ornaments (like the cup), or for stained glass windows (during the renaissance). The development of popularity of nanotechnology currently is centered on the aesthetic addition to higher technologies; therefore, creations like the writeable wires lend more public enthusiasm for technological development. Additionally, to contrast with this, scanning electron microscope images based off of nanoscopic sculptures provides beautiful sceneries that can be used to lend more public support for nanoexploration.