Basic Principles of Nanotechnology

Basic Principles of Nanotechnology by Wesley C. Sanders is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts that drive modern nanotechnology research and industry. Designed for students, educators, and professionals entering the field, this book explains how materials behave at the nanoscale and why those properties differ significantly from their bulk counterparts.

The book provides a clear overview of the structure, electrical behavior, and physical properties of nanoscale materials commonly used in nanotechnology-based applications. Readers are introduced to the operation of nanoscale transistors and the key fabrication processes involved in building these devices. Sanders also explores emerging research that goes beyond traditional silicon electronics, highlighting the use of carbon nanotubes, graphene, molecules, and other advanced materials to create next-generation electronic components.

A major strength of the book is its practical focus on fabrication and characterization techniques. It explains widely used tools and processes such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron-beam lithography, photolithography, and etching methods, providing readers with a foundational understanding of how nanostructures are created and analyzed in laboratory and industrial settings.

The text emphasizes nanomaterials that play a central role in both academic research and consumer products, including metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Each chapter opens with clearly defined learning objectives that outline the core topics covered, helping readers navigate complex material efficiently. End-of-chapter questions reinforce key concepts and support classroom use and self-study.