NanoscienceNanoscience

Chemistry 1

What is a nanoparticl

e?

One million nanoparticles placed side by side would span 1mm.

Macro…..

Billion light years

93

The universe

telescope

Macro…..

thousand light years

100

The milky way

(our galaxy)

telescope

Macro…..

thousand km

13

The Earth

(our Planet)

telescope

Macro…..

km

320

Wales

telescope

Macro…..

metre

150

Millennium Stadium

telescope

Macro…..

metre

2

Person

Eye

Macro…..

cm20

Science textbook

Eye

Macro…..

cm2

Your finger

Eye

Macro…..

mm1

Pencil point

Eye

Micro…..

micrometer

300

Flea

microscope

Micro…..

micrometer

40

Human hair

microscope

Micro…..

micrometer

20

One blood cell

microscope

Micro…..

micrometer

4

One Bacterium E-coli

microscope

Nano…..

nanometre

400

One Flu Virus (Influenza)

Electron microscope

Nano…..

nanometre

40

Molecule of protein

Electron microscope

Nano…..

nanometre

1

Molecule of Carbon 60

Electron microscope

Properties of Nanoparticles

The properties of substances change entirely when in nano-sized

form.

silver

e.g.

Silver (macro)Silver is a ductile and malleable metal (slightly harder than gold). It’s white with a metallic sheen capable of high shine. It has the highest electrical conductivity of any metal, even copper, and so is used to coat high quality electrodes/ electronic connections.Pure silver also has the highest heat conductivity of all metals (diamond is the only non-metal that’s higher).Because it reflects well, it’s used as a background for mirrors. Silver salts react to light, and silver nitrate is used in photographic film.

Properties of Nanoparticles

The properties of substances change entirely when in nano-sized

form.

Silver (nano)

Silver in this form shows different properties:

1) It’s antibacterial2) It’s antiviral3) It’s antifungal

In each of the above examples, the silver nanoparticles prevent the organism’s respiratory enzymes from working, and so kills them in minutes.

Special socks are now available that include silver nanoparticles in order to heal conditions such as athlete’s foot. Research has shown that silver can also be used to treat many diseases, from flu to HIV.

Using Silver Nanoparticles

Coating the inside of the fridge with silver nanoparticles ensures that any microbe is killed and keeps the fridge clean hygienic and safe.

Nanoparticles in the washing machine ensure that the clothes are cleaned and disinfected.

The silver nanoparticles in this sock kills odour causing bacteria and keep the socks fresh!

Advantages and Advantages and disadvantages of using disadvantages of using

nanoparticlesnanoparticles

Nanoparticles

AdvantagesAdvantages DisadvantagesDisadvantages

Preparation of certain catalysts

Unusual propertie

s,

leading to new uses

Some have antibacterial,

antiviral and antifungal properties

Could penetrate skin and cause undesired

side-effects

Easily releasedinto the environment

There is a lot that we don’t know about nanoparticles at the moment. Much more research is needed before their use becomes widespread