A NANOTECHNOLOGY PROCESSES OPTION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

摘要

With the substantial investment into the development of nanotechnology infrastructure for the 21st century and beyond, there is a need to adapt engineering and science curricula to equip students with the skills and attributes needed to contribute effectively in manufacturing-based processes that rely on nanotechnology. The incorporation of nanotechnology into the undergraduate engineering curriculum represents both an opportunity and a challenge.On the one hand, nanotechnology can revitalize undergraduate programs by engaging students with interesting nanotechnology-related concepts, examples, and experiments. On the other hand, due to its inherent interdisciplinary nature, programs will need to accommodate greater degrees of interdisciplinary teaching and research. Chemical and biological processes will play a significant role in the manufacturing operations. Chemical and biological engineers have the advantage of a solid background in chemical kinetics, reactor design, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and process control to undertake the challenges in the high-volume manufacturing of nanotechnology-based products.