Nanoscience and nanotechnotogy: A personal view of a chemist

The views of Vincenzo Balzani on the importance and the role played by nanoscience and nanotechnology for the chemists are discussed. He suggests that technology is the main driving force for the progress of mankind since it provides a wealth of novel materials, devices and machines capable of improving the quality of life. An alternative and the most promising strategy to exploit science and technology at the nanometer scale is offered by the bottom-up approach that starts from nano or sub-nanoscale objects to build up nanostructures. This is the reason why chemists, being able to manipulate atoms and molecules, are in an ideal position to contribute to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The field of nanoscience and nanotechnology is of great interest to physicists and engineers and has led to many innovative applications. It is believed that nanotechnology and nanoscience will contribute in finding solutions for problems related to food, health, energy, and pollution.