Nano materials are with at least one dimension (length, width, or height) on the nano scale, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometres. At this scale, materials often exhibit unique properties due to quantum effects and increased surface area to volume ratio. These scales are necessary to solve physics and chemistry concerns from a fundamental scientific perspective. The reaction may be dominated by surface and boundary effects. In this range of length scales, many of the traditional differences between mechanics, materials science, and physics vanish, and a new way of thinking known as nano science (often ironically read as “very little science”) arises. The capacity to see and manipulate structure at small length and time scales, along with the development of computer skills that work best at small sizes, have led to the recent and explosive growth of nano science. At this tiny scale, materials often exhibit unique and enhanced properties compared to their heavy counterparts, making them valuable for diversified range of applications across fields.
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Renowned physicist Richard Feynman introduced the idea of nanotechnology for the first time in 1959 and was awarded the Nobel Prize. The development of fullerene and scanning tunneling microscopes further contributed to the term's popularity. The term nanos means “very small,” and it refers to both a dwarf and a person who is extremely short. Baig, N. et. al (2019) explained that for a very long time, humans have used nano materials without realizing it. Academics first encountered contemporary nanotechnology through Feynman's renowned lecture, “There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom.” Since then, there has been significant advancement in nanotechnology, and the subject is always growing into new areas. Husen, A., et.al (2019) discovered that Nanotechnology is a cutting-edge scientific and technical subject that has emerged in recent years and has the possibility to transform technological advancements of industry, medical, and agriculture. It is possible to create nano materials (NMs) by chemical, physical, and biological means. The biomaterial-based synthesis is the least expensive and environmentally benign, and it also doesn't require dangerous chemicals or high pressure, energy, or temperature. Chen, Y. et.al (2020) discussed that phase, along with composition, morphology, architecture, facet, size, and dimensionality, has become a crucial structural component in determining the characteristics and functions of nano materials. Specifically, unusual phases in nanoparticles that are not accessible in the bulk state have the potential to confer fascinating features and novel uses on nano materials. Lu, H., .et.al (2016) has shown that the most researched nano materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal oxide nanoparticles (TiO2, iron oxides & ZnO,), zero-valent metal nanoparticles (Fe, Ag, and Zn), and Nano composites, were featured in this work. Additionally, a thorough discussion of their applications for wastewater treatment and water was held. The field of water and wastewater treatment appears to hold great promise for nanomaterial, especially the present rate of development and application. Peralta-Videa, et.al (2011) reviewed Nanotechnology applications are affecting nearly every facet of contemporary life. The number of informational and scientific articles on engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has expanded due to the growing usage of ENMs in consumer items, energy, chemical and medical equipment, information technology, and other fields. Sharifi, S. et.al. (2012) explained that few studies have examined the prolong effects of nanoparticles on health, but government organizations, such as the Ministry of Health in Japan and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States, have recently questioned whether seemingly harmless materials like carbon-based nanotubes are handled with the same caution as known carcinogens like asbestos. Landsiedel et.al (2012) discovered the toxico kinetics of nano material differ from those of the majority of other xeno biotics, hence knowledge of them is crucial for toxicological testing and assessment. Protein binding, aggregation, hydrophobicity, surface charge, and particle size and shape all affect the toxicokinetics of nano material. Unintentional permeability and systemic availability were not shown in most of topical skin application experiments; nevertheless, animals did exhibit penetration for select nano material with unique characteristics. Okey‐Onyesolu et.al (2021) reviewed a potential chance to enhance plant mineral nutrition is presented by new nano fertilizers. With a site-specific and regulated release of nutrients that not only boosted plant uptake effectiveness but also decreased adverse environmental impacts (due to loss of nutrients into environmental matrices), nanostructured materials are more effective than standard fertilizers. Khin, M. M et.al (2012) explained that nano materials provide the possibility of effective biological and pollutant elimination in the field of environmental solutions. For the purpose of detecting and eliminating gases (SO2, CO, NOx, etc.), contaminated chemicals (manganese, arsenic, iron, nitrate, heavy metals, etc.), biological substances (viruses, bacteria, parasites, and antibiotics), & organic pollutants (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons), composites of nano materials in different shapes and morphologies, as nanoparticles, fibres, tubes, wires, etc., are utilized. Kagdada, H. et al. (2023) discovered these intriguing nanomaterials have many scientific and technological uses in addition to having good basic characteristics. Unknowingly, nevertheless, the idea of nanotechnology was there in primordial times. Thus, from prehistoric times to the present, this chapter covers the historical overview, application, and evolution of nano materials.