This book charts the exciting transition from nanotechnology to picotechnology, moving from manipulating matter at the nanoscale to engineering structures at atomic and molecular levels. Beginning with the fundamentals of nanotechnology, it describes how materials and devices designed at the nanoscale (1 to 100 nanometers) have already revolutionized fields like electronics and medicine. It then discusses advancements in sub-nanometer precision, enabled by techniques such as scanning probe microscopy (SPM), which allow scientists to manipulate individual atoms and molecules with exceptional accuracy. This book further examines atomic-scale engineering, where tools like scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) facilitate the precise arrangement of atoms to create specific structures. It also covers molecular nanotechnology, which extends these principles to the design and assembly of complex molecular structures and machines, drawing inspiration from biological systems.
In exploring applications, this book highlights how atomic and molecular scale engineering could revolutionize electronics with single-atom transistors and molecular-scale circuits, and transform medicine with advanced drug delivery systems and nanoscale sensors. In addition, applications in environmental remediation, energy storage, computing, and communication systems are presented. Despite the significant challenges, such as achieving precise control and ensuring scalability, the potential for breakthroughs is immense. The journey from nanotechnology to atomic and molecular scale engineering is a crucial step towards the vision of picotechnology, promising groundbreaking advancements with profound impacts on science, technology, and society.
Shrikaant Kulkarni, Ph.D., works as a Research Professor at Sanjivani University, Kopargaon, India, and as an Adjunct Professor, at the Faculty of Business, Victorian Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Australia, Adjunct Professor, Lincoln University College, Malaysia, and Adjunct Professor at Chitkara University, Punjab, India. Dr. Kulkarni has been a senior academician and researcher for 42 years. He has delivered invited lectures and conducted sessions at national and international conferences and faculty development programs. He has guided many major and minor projects in areas like engineering chemistry, green chemistry, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, catalysis, chemical engineering materials, industrial organization, and management, Advanced AI, and Educational Technology. He has published over 100+ research papers in national and international journals and conferences of repute. He has edited 50+ books, including four in Advanced AI, and authored 100+ book chapters in books published by CRC, Springer Nature, Apple Academic Press, Elsevier, Wiley, and IET. He authored four textbooks in engineering chemistry. Dr. Kulkarni holds MSc, MPhil, and PhD degrees in Chemistry, as well as Master's degrees in Economics, Business Management, and Political Science. Two of his Patents have been published, and two more are pending grant. He was invited by UNESCO for an invited talk on "Green Chemistry Education for Sustainable Development" at the International Conference on Green Chemistry, Bangkok, and was well received by international Jury members and dignitaries from across the world.
