Nanoparticles Flashcards
How big is a nanoparticle?
Between 1nm and 100nm across.
What is a nanometer in metres?
1x10^-9m
What is a nanoparticulate?
A material made of nanoparticles.
Nanoparticulate materials have different properties to the same substance in bulk. Why?
Because of the very small size of nanoparticles and their very large surface area to volume ratio.
Give an example of a nanoparticulate that has different properties when it is in bulk and when it is nanoparticulate.
Titanium dioxide is white in bulk but transparent when nanoparticulate.
What developments are being made with nanoparticles?
New catalysts to speed up industrial reactions and self-cleaning windows, ovens and clothes.
What are some possible risks of nanoparticles?
They are so tiny they may be breathed in, absorbed by the skin or passed into cells. Nanoparticles also take a long time to break down once released to the environment and toxic substances may stick to their surfaces.
