The development stage can be broadly divided into several phases:
Discovery and Conceptualization: This phase involves the identification of potential applications and the conceptualization of new nanomaterials or nanodevices. Synthesis and Fabrication: In this phase, researchers develop methods to create nanomaterials with specific properties, often using techniques like chemical vapor deposition or self-assembly. Characterization: Researchers use advanced tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and atomic force microscopes (AFM) to analyze the properties and behavior of the nanomaterials. Optimization: This phase involves refining the processes and materials to enhance performance and scalability. Prototyping and Testing: Researchers create and test prototypes to evaluate their practical applications and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
