Nanotechnology
Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, topic 5.1.7
Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles are tiny particles between 1 – 100 nm in length. They are larger than individual atoms but too small to be seen with the human eye. Nanoscience is the area of science that researches nanoparticles.
High surface area to volume ratio
- The surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles is high.
- This means that smaller amounts of materials can be used for our desired purpose (e.g. as catalysts or in sun cream) compared to using normal sized particles.
- This makes them cheaper and more efficient to use than larger particles.
What are the disadvantages of nanoparticles?
- As nanoscience is still a very new area of research, there are still possible disadvantages of nanoparticles that we do not know about.
- E.g. we don't know the long-term effect of them on the environment or on human health!
Test yourself on Nanotechnology
What is the name for the area of science that researches the uses and properties of nanoparticles?
How would you describe the surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles?
How does the use of nanoparticles compare to that of larger particles?
What size of particle would be classified as a nanoparticle?