Nanoscience Chemistry 1

What is a nanoparticle? 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….. cm 20 Science textbook Eye

Macro….. cm 2 Your finger Eye

Macro….. mm 1 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 antibacterial 2)It’s antiviral 3)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 disadvantages of using nanoparticles Nanoparticles Advantages Disadvantages Preparation of certain catalysts Unusual properties, leading to new uses Some have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties Could penetrate skin and cause undesired side-effects Easily released into 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