2.4: Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles - TRIPLE

Question 1

What are nanoparticles?

Answer 1

● Nanoparticles​ ​are​ ​1-100​ ​nanometers​ ​across.

● They​ ​contain​ ​a​ ​few​ ​hundred​ ​atoms.

Question 2

What are the uses of nanoparticles?

Answer 2

● They​ ​have​ ​a​ ​high​ ​surface​ ​area​ ​to​ ​volume​ ​ratio,​ ​and​ ​therefore​ ​would​ ​make good​ ​catalysts.
● They​ ​can​ ​also​ ​be​ ​used​ ​to​ ​produce highly​ ​selective​ ​sensors.
● Nanotubes​ ​could​ ​make​ ​stronger, lighter​ ​building​ ​materials.
● New​ ​cosmetics,​ ​e.g​ ​sun​ ​tan cream​ ​and​ ​deodorant.​ ​They make​ ​no​ ​white​ ​marks.
● Lubricant​ ​coatings,​ ​as​ ​they reduce​ ​friction.​ ​These​ ​can​ ​be used​ ​for​ ​artificial​ ​joints​ ​and gears.
● Nanotubes​ ​conduct​ ​electricity,​ ​so​ ​can​ ​be​ ​used​ ​in​ ​small​ ​electrical​ ​circuits​ ​for computers.

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of using nanoparticles?

Answer 3

There​ ​are​ ​some​ ​concerns​ ​that​ ​nanoparticles​ ​may​ ​be toxic​ ​to​ ​people.​ ​They​ ​may​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​enter​ ​the​ ​brain​ ​from​ ​the​ ​bloodstream and​ ​cause​ ​harm.