Materials and Nanochemistry

What this unit covers

The unit brings together two linked ideas: how materials are chosen for a job, and how very small particles behave differently. Many resources follow GCSE-style topics such as material choices, paints and pigments, and nanoscience.

• Nanoscience: the mind map called Nanotechnology explains structures of a few hundred atoms, 1-100nm across, that show different properties from the same material in bulk.
• Uses: the mind map Uses of Nanoparticles lists stronger, lighter building materials, deodorants that leave no white marks, and catalysts that rely on a huge surface area to volume ratio.
• Colour and mixtures: Paints and Pigments covers solvent, binding medium and pigment, while Emulsifiers explains molecules with a water-loving end and an oil-loving end.
• Materials: alloys, metals, ceramics, polymers, limestone and cement all appear, along with smart materials such as shape memory alloys.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Nano Science. It is short and sets out the key ideas: the size of a nanometre, why small particles react quickly, and why surface area matters. Then move to the Nanomaterials flashcard deck, which asks what the IUPAC definition is and how nanomaterials are classified.

A sensible order

1. Read a mind map on your topic to see the big picture.
2. Work through a flashcard deck, such as C2 - Material Choices, to fix the key terms.
3. Use the notes, for example New materials and Chemistry Formulas, to fill in detail on smart materials.
4. Finish with a quiz, such as C2: Material Choices Test, or the quizzes on metals and non-metals.

Using quizzes and maps together

Take a quiz first and note which answers you missed. Go back to the matching mind map, read that branch again, then retry the quiz. Teachers can set a map as a starter and a quiz as a quick check.

Where it sits

This unit is part of the Earth, Environment and Applied Chemistry strand in Chemistry. Choose a map or deck that matches your current topic and start there.