How Nanotechnology Could Power the Next Era of Quantum Computers - AZoNano
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By Akshatha ChandrashekarReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.May 26 2026 A broad review links nanomaterials, topological physics, and quantum computing to show how nanoscale engineering could help move quantum technologies from theoretical promise toward real-world applications. Review: From Nanotechnology to Topological Quantum Computers: An Interdisciplinary Leap. Image Credit: JLStock / Shutterstock A recent working paper published in the journal Cambridge Open Engage examines the convergence of nanotechnology, quantum physics, materials science, and advanced computing in the emerging era of quantum technologies. The review highlights how developments in topological materials, Majorana fermions, Weyl semimetals, and quantum simulations are informing possible routes toward fault-tolerant quantum computing and next-generation electronic systems. It also discusses the expanding role of nanomaterials in healthcare, energy storage, electronics, and environmental applications.
Quantum Science Enters a New Technological Era Rapid advances in quantum science, nanotechnology, and materials engineering are accelerating the development of next-generation computing and multifunctional nanoscale systems. Conventional quantum computing platforms often face major limitations, such as decoherence, environmental instability, and poor scalability, that limit their practical implementation. To address these challenges, researchers are exploring topological quantum systems, Majorana fermions, Weyl semimetals, and low-dimensional nanomaterials that exhibit enhanced electronic stability, high carrier mobility, and potentially fault-tolerant quantum properties. This review systematically examines recent advances in topological materials, quantum architectures, and nanomaterial-based technologies that support the transition from theoretical quantum physics to practical engineering applications. It explains how Majorana-based topological qubits, semiconductor nanowires, and Weyl semimetals could improve quantum stability and computational reliability if key challenges in coherence, fabrication, and scalability are overcome. The review discusses the role of two-dimensional materials such as graphene, MoS2, and WS2 in enabling energy-efficient electronics, spintronic systems, flexible devices, and quantum optoelectronics. It also highlights the expanding applications of nanoparticles, carbon quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and nanorods in nanomedicine, biosensing, imaging, targeted drug delivery, and water purification. Experimental Strategies and Computational Frameworks The review adopts a multidisciplinary approach that combines theoretical concepts, experimental advances, and computational developments from condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, and quantum information science. It integrates findings from multiple research areas to provide a broader understanding of emerging quantum technologies. The review discusses several experimental techniques used to investigate topological quantum systems and nanoscale materials. Researchers have used angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to identify Weyl fermions and Majorana zero modes in condensed matter systems. These techniques have helped provide experimental evidence for exotic quasiparticles and related signatures in semiconductor-superconductor hybrid structures and topological materials. Related StoriesNanotechnology and Developing Countries - Part 2: What Realities?Electronics, Communications and Informatics - Challenges, Drivers of Change and Success in the UKQuantum Nanomedicine: How Tiny Materials Could Tackle Big Medical ChallengesThe study also examines semiconductor nanowires, superconducting interfaces, and topological-insulator heterostructures designed to stabilize Majorana states and enhance qubit coherence. In addition, it highlights the growing importance of quantum annealing systems, photonic qubits, and Digital-Analog Quantum Computing (DAQC) platforms as candidate scalable quantum computing architectures. On the computational side, the review emphasizes the increasing role of open-source quantum software platforms such as Qiskit, PennyLane, TensorFlow Quantum, and Quirk. These tools support hybrid quantum-classical simulations, variational quantum algorithms, and quantum chemistry modeling. Together, these experimental and computational approaches outline a broad framework for advancing next-generation quantum technologies. Advances in Topological Materials and Nanotechnology The review highlights major advances in quantum materials and nanoscale engineering that are accelerating the development of practical quantum technologies. One of the most significant developments involves the observation of signatures of Majorana zero modes in hybrid nanowire systems. These quasiparticles are considered promising candidates for topological qubits as they store quantum information in protected quantum states. The review highlighted the recent progress in Weyl semimetals, which exhibit unique electronic structures known as Fermi arcs. These materials exhibit exceptionally high electron mobility and unconventional transport behavior, making them attractive for low-power electronic and quantum-sensing applications. Researchers demonstrated that magnetic-field-induced breaking of time-reversal symmetry can manipulate Weyl fermions, creating new opportunities for topological electronic devices. The review further discusses WEYLFET transistors based on Weyl semimetal nanowires, which demonstrate high on/off ratios and reduced energy consumption. The review also highlights progress in nanomedicine, where nanoparticle-enabled drug delivery and biosensing technologies are attracting significant interest. Carbon quantum dots and functionalized carbon nanotubes show strong potential in biomedical imaging, antimicrobial treatments, targeted cancer therapy, and photothermal applications. Researchers also explored emerging quantum-dot-based pathogen destruction and nanoscale ultraviolet sterilization technologies for healthcare and environmental applications. The study also evaluates Digital-Analog Quantum Computing models that combine digital gate operations with analog Hamiltonian evolution. These hybrid architectures may improve computational fidelity while reducing operational overhead compared with purely digital quantum computing systems. Overall, the review demonstrates that advances in nanomaterials and topological systems are helping define possible pathways toward practical quantum technologies, although major engineering and scalability barriers remain. Future Impact of Quantum and Nanotechnology Integration This review highlights the growing role of nanotechnology, topological materials, and quantum computing in shaping next-generation scientific and technological systems. The study explains how Majorana-based topological qubits and advanced quantum architectures could improve computational stability and support scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing, provided that current barriers to decoherence mitigation and device fabrication are addressed. It also discusses the importance of interdisciplinary integration across condensed matter physics, computational science, materials engineering, biology, and medicine for translating quantum research into practical applications. The review further emphasizes the potential of nanotechnology in precision medicine, quantum biosensing, targeted drug delivery, and nanoscale imaging, while also identifying opportunities in water purification and sustainable material development. In addition, hybrid quantum-classical computing frameworks and DAQC systems are presented as important transitional technologies. Overall, the study positions the Second Quantum Revolution as a transformative force across computing, healthcare, communication, and energy technologies, while emphasizing that many proposed applications remain at an exploratory or developmental stage. Download your PDF copy by clicking here. Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website. Source: Keçeci, M. (2026). From Nanotechnology to Topological Quantum Computers: An Interdisciplinary Leap.
Cambridge Open Engage. DOI: 10.33774/COE-2026-JLPG5 https://www.cambridge.org/engage/coe/article-details/6a0e45bb810b9dcc825527f0