Nanotechnology is based on the manipulation and control of nanomaterials, and in fact nanomaterials are the cornerstones of the new technology. “Nanomaterials Database” was launched in 2016 with the aim of introducing different types and morphologies of nanomaterials and monitoring the publications, patents, and commercialization trend of these materials. Mission of the database is collecting, analyzing, and publishing the information on nanomaterials in various aspects of science, technology, and commerce. In this database, the nanomaterials are divided into different categories according to a specific international standard. Whereas these categories consider the morphology and a variety of nanomaterials, they do not include chemical compositions.
According to ISO/TS 80004-1, the nanomaterials are classified into two general groups:
(i) Nano-objects
(ii) Nanostructured materials.
Nano-object is a substance which possesses at least one nanoscale dimension and can be classified into one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) structures. On the other hand, the nanostructured materials are the ones whose dimensions are not at the nanoscale. Rather, one of their components is a nano-object, or they have a microscopically/morphologically nanoscale structure.
In this database, each nanomaterial has a profile in which the definitions, pertinent images, the statistics of related articles, patents, and consumer products are given. The standard definitions or peer reviewed sources are used as references in providing the definitions of each nanomaterial. Microscopy or schematic images of the nanomaterials published in the prestigious peer reviewed journals or authentic scientific websites are employed with a citation to the source. A proper search string is determined for each single nanomaterial by studying related articles and patents, and the statistics of articles, patents, and citations related to the nanomaterial are retrieved through the international authentic sources and databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Orbit. Nanotechnology products information, in which the nanomaterials are utilized, are also available through the link “Related Products” in the profile.
