nanotechnology

Question 1

nanoparticles

Answer 1

particles in the size range of 1- 100 nanometres

Question 2

how many metres is a nanometre?

Answer 2

1 nanometre = 1 x 10^(-9) metres

Question 3

what is nanotechnology?

Answer 3

study of matter at a very small scale

Question 4

how are the properties (quantum effects) of a nanomaterial different from the bulk material?

Answer 4

• nanomaterial have greater conductivity than the bulk material, the increased surface area is the chief reason for this
• lower melting point

Question 5

how are CNTs similar to graphite?

Answer 5

Carbon nanotubes can be described as being like rolled sheets of graphene as their bonding is the same as graphite (similar structure)
due to their size, they have properties such as great strength, great conductivity and having a low density due to its light weight

Question 6

why is nanotechnology used?

Answer 6

nanotechnology allows scientists to manipulate (handle/move) individual atoms or molecules. it allows us to make machines/structures on a much smaller, lighter, more economical, more ecofriendly scale to make our lives easier

Question 7

what does nano mean?

Answer 7

‘dwarf’ in Greek

Question 8

nanosilver properties

Answer 8

• antibacterial properties
• antiviral properties
• antifungal properties

Question 9

why are nanoparticles used in sunscreen?

Answer 9

nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium oxides form a barrier from UV rays on the skin as they absorb and reflect UV rays.

Question 10

nanomaterials as a catalyst

Answer 10

nanoparticles have a large surface area which enhances catalytic activity (the increase of the rate of a reaction due to catalyst)

Question 11

hydrophobic nanoparticles

Answer 11

hydrophobic - tending to repel or fail to mix with water
- hydrophobic nanoparticles are used in “self-cleaning windows” as the particles are embedded in the films which do not allow dirt or water to stick to the surface

Question 12

disadvantages/concerns of nanomaterials

Answer 12

• absorption of nanomaterials into body (sunscreen)
• long term exposure is unknown
• silver nanoparticles in washing machines getting into environment
• toxicity

Question 13

why are CNTs used?

Answer 13

• filtration
• automotive parts
• biomedical applications

Question 14

quantum dots

Answer 14

nanosized particles that exhibit unique optical and electronic properties
used for: biological tracing, drug delivery, live imaging and medical diagnosis

Question 15

gold nanoparticles

Answer 15

• red
• melting point is 300 degrees which is lower than bulk material gold