Nanoscience Chemistry 1 GCSE Science

What is a nanoparticle? GCSE Science One million nanoparticles placed side by side would span 1mm. GCSE Science

Macro….. telescope Billion light years 93 GCSE Science The universe

Macro….. The milky way (our galaxy) GCSE Science telescope 100 thousand light years 100 GCSE Science The milky way (our galaxy)

Macro….. telescope thousand km 13 GCSE Science The Earth (our Planet)

Macro….. telescope km 320 GCSE Science Wales

Macro….. telescope metre 150 GCSE Science Millennium Stadium

Macro….. Eye 2 metre GCSE Science Person

Macro….. Eye 20 cm GCSE Science Science textbook

Macro….. Eye 2 cm GCSE Science Your finger

Macro….. Eye 1 mm GCSE Science Pencil point

Micro….. microscope 300 micrometer GCSE Science Flea

Micro….. microscope 40 micrometer GCSE Science Human hair

Micro….. microscope micrometer 20 GCSE Science One blood cell

Micro….. microscope micrometer 4 GCSE Science One Bacterium E-coli

One Flu Virus (Influenza) Nano….. Electron microscope nanometre 400 GCSE Science One Flu Virus (Influenza)

Nano….. Molecule of protein GCSE Science Electron microscope 40 nanometre 40 GCSE Science Molecule of protein

Nano….. Molecule of Carbon 60 GCSE Science Electron microscope 1 nanometre 1 GCSE Science Molecule of Carbon 60

Properties of Nanoparticles The properties of substances change entirely when in nano-sized form. 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. silver e.g. GCSE Science

Properties of Nanoparticles The properties of substances change entirely when in nano-sized form. Silver (nano) Silver in this form shows different properties: It’s antibacterial It’s antiviral 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. GCSE Science

Using Silver Nanoparticles The silver nanoparticles in this sock kills odour causing bacteria and keep the socks fresh! Coating the inside of the fridge with silver nanoparticles ensures that any microbe is killed and keeps the fridge clean hygienic and safe. GCSE Science Nanoparticles in the washing machine ensure that the clothes are cleaned and disinfected.

Advantages and disadvantages of using nanoparticles Could penetrate skin and cause undesired side-effects Some have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties Easily released into the environment Preparation of certain catalysts Nanoparticles Unusual properties, leading to new uses There is a lot that we don’t know about nanoparticles at the moment. Much more research is needed before their use becomes widespread GCSE Science