nanoparticles Flashcards
what do nanoparticles have a diameter between?
1 x 10⁻⁷ and 1 x 10⁻⁹
if the particles decrease in size, what effect does it have on the surface area in relation to volume?
it increases
list 6 uses of nanoparticles
cosmetics
medicine
deodorants
suncream
catalysts
electronics
how are nanoparticles used in medicine?
they can be absorbed easier, so are used to deliver drugs right into cells where they are needed
how are nanoparticles used in electronics?
some nanoparticles can conduct electricity so can be used in tiny electric circuits for computer chips
how are nanoparticles used as catalysts?
they have a huge surface area to volume ratio, meaning they can easily speed up reactions
how are nanoparticles used in cosmetics?
they can improve moisturisers without making them oily
how are nanoparticles used in deodorants?
silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties and can be added to polymer fibres that can be added to deodorants
which type of nanoparticles have antibacterial properties?
silver nanoparticles
what else can silver nanoparticles make when added to polymer fibres?
surgical masks and wound dressings
why are nanoparticles used in suncreams?
they are better at protecting skin from uv rays, and give better skin coverage than traditional sun creams
why are some people worried about nanoparticles?
effects on human health haven’t properly been investigated and we don’t know long term risks
nanoparticles could also have effects on the environment that haven’t yet been discovered
what is nanoscience?
the study of particles 1-100nm
what are fine and coarse particles?
fine e.g soot 100-2500nm
coarse e.g dust 2500-10000nm
why do nanoparticles have different properties from those for the same materials in bulk?
nanoparticles have a higher surface area to volume ratio
