Nanoparticles STRUCTURE AND BONDING Flashcards
What does 1 nanometre represent?
1x10*-9
What is one micrometre equal to?
1x10*-6
Where is the largest proportion of nanoparticles atoms?
At the surface of the particle.
What is the ratio of their surface area to volume?
They have a very high ratio or surface area : volume.
Why are they reactive?
Due to the late amount of atoms at the surface of the nanoparticles. Also, their large ratio of surface area : volume.
Why are they good in industry?
More sustainable as less resources are used up.
What are they used for?
Glass can be coated with titanium oxide nanoparticles. - sunshine triggers a chemical reaction that breaks up the dirt that lands on it. When it rains, the water spreads evenly over the surface of the glass.
Titanium oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles are used in modern sunscreens.
Cosmetics.
How can they be used in medicines?
Nanocages of gold can be injected into a small absorbed by tumors. A laser can be directed at the tumor, energy is transferred from the nanoparticles and they heat up quickly. The temperature of the tumor increases, changing its properties of its proteins but doesn’t damage surrounding tissue. This destroys tumor cells without damaging healthy cells.
May also be able to cat cancer-fighting drugs to the tumor.
What are silver nanoparticles used for?
They continuously release a low level of silver ions to protect against bacteria.
What can nanotubes be used for?
Highly sensitive sensors
Incredibly small electronic circuits.
What are the possible risks of nanoparticles?
The large surface area makes them dangerous, as they are catalysts, if a large work is made near them there could be a violent explosion.
They could find their way into the atmosphere. If breathes in they could damage the lungs. They may also enter the bloodstream due to their use in cosmetics.
Damage the environment e.g. washing clothing impregnated with nanoparticles - this may damage aquatic life.
