Nanoscience

Nanoscience

• The study of particles of really small things (usually in measurements of nanometres)
• 1 nanometre = 1 billionth of a metre
• Fascinating as materials behave differently on a tiny scale
• Involves nanoparticles
• Are so small that they can not be seen in a normal microscope
• Nanoscience may lead to the development of:
• new catalysts
• new coatings
• new computers
• stronger and lighter building material
• sensors that detect individual substances in tiny amounts

Nanoparticles

• Nanoparticles a very high Surface Area : Volume ratio
• This large surface area allows nanoparticles to react very quickly which is useful for catalyst
• Examples of catalysts: self-cleaning ovens and windows
• Nanoparticle have different properties/characteristic to the same substance in normal size

Positive uses of Nanoparticles:

• Sports equipment: added to materials to make them stronger whilst being lighter. Examples: tennis rackets, golf clubs, shoes, bouncier tennis balls
• clothing: silver nanoparticles are added to socks to stop the socks from absorbing the smell of sweating feet. Silver nanoparticles are used as they have antibacterial properties
• healthcare: titanium oxide and zinc oxide can offer protection in sunscreen and can be rubbed in without showing white marks. Other Examples: Smart bombs for tumours, chemotherapy
• Electronic components can be integrated into textile and other products
• Technology: Very small electronic circuits. Nanotech suits are in development for the army which could be flexible, light and even bullet-proof

Harmful effects of Nanoparticles:

• Nanoparticles can be toxic to people
• Hard to remove from the environment and can affect the organisms within
• They may be able to enter the brain from the bloodstream and cause damage
• Although their properties as catalysts may be used for good, there are concerns they may speed up reactions in living things in unpredictable ways, perhaps causing illness or even death
• Some items may too expensive
• Breathing in can damage lungs