Nanomaterials, structural modifications and their applications

When we bring materials down to the nanoscale, their properties change, and nanoparticles exhibit optical, magnetic, or electrical properties different from those of larger particles. Nanomaterials, owing to their unique physicochemical properties at the nanoscale, have revolutionized various scientific and technological domains. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of nanomaterials with a particular focus on their structural modifications and how these influence their functional performance. Different classes of nanomaterials, including carbon-based, metal-based, polymeric, and composite nanostructures—are discussed in the context of their synthesis, surface engineering, and morphological tuning. Emphasis is placed on strategies such as doping, core-shell structuring, surface functionalization, and defect engineering, which are employed to tailor their electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The chapter further explores the diverse application landscape of structurally modified nanomaterials, encompassing energy storage and conversion, catalysis, biomedical engineering, environmental remediation, and nanoelectronics. Through a synthesis-structure-property-performance framework, this chapter elucidates the critical role of structural design in unlocking the full potential of nanomaterials for next-generation technologies.