Uses of nanoparticles

Uses of nanoparticles is known as nanoscience. Many new uses of nanoparticles are being developed.
They have a huge surface area to volume ratio, so they could help make new industrial catalysts.
You can use nanoparticles to make sensors to detect one type of molecule and nothing else. These highly specific sensors are being used to test water purity.
Nanotubes can be used to make stronger, lighter building materials.
New cosmetics e.g sun cream and deodorant have been made using nanoparticles. The small particles do the job but don't leave white marks on the skin.
Noanomedicine is a hot topic. The idea is that tiny fullerenes are absorbed more easily by the body than most particles.
1. This means that they could deliver drugs right to the cells where they're needed.
New lubricant coatings are being developed using fullerens. These coatings reduce frictions a bit like ball bearings and could be used for things like artificial joints and gears.
Nanotubes conduct electricity, so they can be used in tiny electrical circuits for computer chips.

Resource summary

	Created by jessica-gollop about 12 years ago