Why are Inert Atmospheres Important in Nanotechnology?
Inert atmospheres are essential in nanotechnology for several reasons:
1. Prevention of Oxidation: Many nanomaterials, particularly metals, are highly reactive and can oxidize rapidly when exposed to air. An inert atmosphere prevents this oxidation, preserving the material's desired properties.
2. Controlled Reactions: For processes like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD), a controlled environment is necessary to ensure that only the intended reactions occur without interference from atmospheric gases.
3. Purity: Inert atmospheres help in maintaining the purity of the nanomaterials by preventing contamination from atmospheric particles and gases.
