Types and classification of nanomaterials

Nanomaterials (NMs) are among the most advanced materials in current technology. The nature, composition, and classification of nanomaterials or nanoparticles are of colossal importance for their practical application. This chapter covers classification and types of nanomaterials based on morphology, dimensionality, size, agglomeration state, and composition. The objective was to encapsulate all the types and classification of nanomaterials in one place. NMs have several types, like organic-based, inorganic-based, as well as composite-based NMs. Carbon-based NMs are a distinct class of nanomaterials, which are made up of carbon atoms, among which are fullerene, graphene, nanodiamond, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Morphology is an important factor in the taxonomy of nanomaterials. The properties and behavior of nanomaterials are quite diverse and improved at nanoscale compared to those of bulk materials. Optical properties of nanomaterials depend on size and shape, and thus make them suitable for applications such as catalysis.