Nanotechnology Uses
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.3.21
Uses of Nanoparticles
Nanoscience is an important area of research in chemistry. Currently, nanoparticles are used for:
Catalysts
- The very high surface area of nanoparticles means that there is a larger surface on which reactions can be catalysed (sped up).
Medicine
- Fullerene nanoparticles can be used to efficiently deliver drugs to a specific area of the body to target a disease.
Electronics
- Carbon nanotubes are used in new computer chips because of their good electrical conductivity.
Cosmetics
- Nanoparticles are so small that visible light passes through them, making them transparent.
- E.g. white substances, like sun cream, can be made transparent by using nanoparticles.
Deodorants
- Nanoparticles can have antimicrobial properties.
- These nanoparticles can be used to make deodorants more effective by killing bacteria that generate bad smells.
Test yourself on Nanotechnology Uses
Why are nanoparticles used in deodorants?
Why are carbon nanotubes used in new computer chips?
Why can nanoparticles make substances like sun cream transparent?
A chemical reaction uses a lump of metal as a catalyst. What would happen to the reaction rate if the lump were replaced with metal nanoparticles?
Sun cream made from larger, non-nano particles appears white rather than transparent. Why does this happen?