ABSTRACT
Chemistry is extensively used in the synthesis and manufacture of a variety of nanomaterials. For this reason, this chapter includes an overview of relevant terms from freshman-level chemistry used to explain the unique behaviors of materials at the nanoscale. This chapter includes a description of atoms and ions, and others used as building blocks for nanomaterials such as polymers and semiconducting elements. A discussion of chemical bonding and intermolecular forces is included because they are oftentimes the driving forces responsible for nanostructure assembly. Additionally, chemical reactions are usually involved with the synthesis of a variety of nanomaterials. For this reason, the reader is provided with a summary of the various classifications of chemical reactions. Since quantum effects are prevalent at the nanoscale, there is a brief overview of quantum mechanics included in this chapter.
