Nanotechnology Cleanrooms: An Introduction

Modular nanotechnology cleanrooms built by Allied Cleanrooms, featuring an automatic sliding door and interior viewing window.

When working at the nanoscale, small changes in environmental conditions can cause big problems. If temperature increases by a few degrees, or static electricity builds up as a result of low humidity, tiny parts can (and often do) get damaged. And this is the exact reason why control over the environment is part and parcel of working with nanotech. In this article, we’ll cover what nanotechnology cleanrooms are, what they’re used for, some of their common features, and more.

What Is a Nanotechnology Cleanroom?

Interior view of a modular nanotechnology cleanroom by Allied Cleanrooms, featuring seamless flooring and clean white wall panels.

A nanotechnology cleanroom is simply a controlled environment designed to protect technology, whether in research or manufacturing, at the nanoscale (which is one billionth of a meter). As you may well imagine, tiny, microscopic particles can interfere with such work, as well as things like static charges, humidity, or temperature changes. Nanotech cleanrooms use a variety of features to protect the work being done, depending on the exact application.

Because of the small scale of the parts, nanotechnology cleanrooms have to meet much stricter standards than your typical compounding pharmacy or packaging room, so these cleanrooms are typically classified between ISO 1 and ISO 5.

What Are Nanotechnology Cleanrooms Used For?

Nanotechnology cleanrooms are important in many industries, including the following:

A Few Common Features of Nanotechnology Cleanrooms

Filtration and air handling system inside a nanotechnology cleanroom facility by Allied Cleanrooms.

When building them, there are some important features that you’ll need in order to make sure that working at the nanoscale is done right. Some common features in these cleanrooms include:

  • Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection: Static electricity can cause damage to tiny parts, so these cleanrooms often have features, such as ESD-safe flooring, to prevent it from building up.
  • Control over humidity & temperature: Since humidity levels and temperature can also increase static electricity and affect parts at the nanoscale, they often hold these conditions within narrow ranges.
  • Seamless, non-particle shedding materials: Surfaces inside cleanrooms, including walls, ceilings, and floors should ideally be non-porous, smooth, and easy to clean. Materials like powder-coated aluminum, stainless steel, and seamless vinyl help maintain the strict cleanliness standards required.
  • HEPA/ULPA filters: In just about every cleanroom for nanotech, there will be HEPA filters at the very least, and ULPA filters for the strictest areas.

The Bottom Line

Nanotechnology cleanrooms are controlled environments that protect research outcomes as well as manufacturing that occurs at the nanoscale. At this level, tiny particles, small temperature/humidity changes, and other conditions can ruin the work being done in nanotech. So, if you’re working on such a small scale, a cleanroom will in most cases be required.

FAQs About Nanotechnology Cleanrooms

What makes nanotechnology cleanrooms different from standard cleanrooms?

There are no “standard cleanrooms” per se, but nanotech cleanrooms do often have to meet stricter requirements (ISO 5 or below, usually). Since the work being done is on such small parts, even the tiniest particles have to be prevented from lingering in the environment, and there are additional concerns as well, such as static electricity.

Can an existing cleanroom be upgraded for nanotech use?

Yes, they can be in many cases, especially if you decide on a modular space. An on-site inspection will likely be necessary before any final decision is made, but it might be possible through extra filters, ESD protection, improved environmental controls, etc.

What types of equipment are used in nanotech cleanrooms?

Nanotech cleanrooms often have many specialized tools. Some of the most common include atomic force microscopes, which are used to scan surfaces at the atomic level; electron microscopes, which help the observer see objects that may be too small to see in standard microscopes; and photolithography systems, which help build nanoscale patterns onto surfaces, to name only a few.
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