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Nanoparticles: uses and hazards

Nanoparticles: uses and hazards

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Summary

Nanoparticles: uses and hazards

​​In a nutshell

Nanoparticles are particles which are very tiny with a diameter between 1 nm1 \,nm1nm​ and 100 nm100 \,nm100nm. This is the same as being between 1×10−9 m1\times10^{-9} \,m1×10−9m​ and 1×10−7 m1\times10^{-7} \,m1×10−7m​. 



Surface area to volume ratio

The surface area to volume ratio is a way of representing how large the surface area is in comparison to volume. As the particle gets larger, the volume increases at a faster rate than their surface area. So, larger particles have a smaller surface area to volume ratio. This means that the surface area to volume ratio for nanoparticles is large. This means less material is required to work effectively compared to a larger material. This makes them useful as catalysts. This is shown in the table below.

​

Example

Particle
Chemistry; Separate chemistry 2; KS4 Year 10; Nanoparticles: uses and hazards



Chemistry; Separate chemistry 2; KS4 Year 10; Nanoparticles: uses and hazards
Chemistry; Separate chemistry 2; KS4 Year 10; Nanoparticles: uses and hazards

Surface area
 1×1×6=6 cm21\times 1\times 6=6\ cm^21×1×6=6 cm2​​
2×2×6=24 cm22\times 2\times 6=24\ cm^22×2×6=24 cm2​

3×3×6=54 cm23\times 3\times 6= 54\ cm^23×3×6=54 cm2​

Volume
1×1×1=1 cm31\times 1\times 1=1\ cm^31×1×1=1 cm3​
2×2×2=8 cm32\times 2\times 2=8\ cm^32×2×2=8 cm3​

3×3×3=27 cm33\times 3\times 3=27\ cm^33×3×3=27 cm3​

Surface area to volume ratio
61=6:1\frac{6}{1}=6:116​=6:1​
248=3:1\frac{24}{8}=3:1824​=3:1​

5427=2:1\frac{54}{27}=2:12754​=2:1​




Uses of nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have a wide variety of uses. These are described below.


Use

Description

Nanomedicine
Nanoparticles are very small so they may be able to deliver drugs more effectively than normal sized particles.
Electrical conductor
Nanoparticles can be used in computer chips as they are very small.
Cosmetics
Nanoparticles have been used in moisturisers without making them oily.
Sun cream
Nanoparticles absorb UV light but are not seen on the skin.
Medical applications
Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties so they can be used in medical equipment like surgical masks.
Catalysts
Nanoparticles make good catalysts as you will need less of the material to have the same effect. 



Hazards

The full impact of nanoparticles is unknown and further research needs to be done regarding the effects of nanoparticles on the human body. However, it is possible that they can take a long time to break down and they could easily be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. The consequences of this are unknown. 

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What are nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are particles which are very tiny with a diameter between 1 nm and 100 nm.

What is the surface area to volume ratio?

The surface area to volume ratio is a way of representing how large the surface area is in comparison to volume.

Why are silver nanoparticles used?

Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties so they can be used in medical equipment like surgical masks.

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