Nanoparticles (AQA GCSE Chemistry)

• The main industrial application of nanoparticles is in catalysis due to their high surface area to volume ratios
• Titanium dioxide is a good example of how the same chemical has different properties in bulk and nanoparticle form
• Titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form is used in sunscreens as it blocks UV light but leaves no white marks on the skin while also providing better coverage than other suncreams
• The same chemical in bulk form is used as a white pigment in paints
• Fullerenes are used in medicine and drug design as they are more easily absorbed than other particles and can deliver drugs to target areas more effectively
• Fullerenes are also used in electronic circuitry and as coatings for artificial limbs and joints
• Nanoparticles of silver are sprayed onto the fibres of medical clothing and surgical masks which gives them the flexibility of a material but with the added benefit of the antibacterial properties of silver metal
• Silver nanoparticle coated clothing can act as a built in deodorant for clothing

Advantages of nanoparticles

• Nanoparticles have widespread uses and applications that can provide an immense advance in materials technology

Disadvantages of nanoparticles

• The use of nanoparticles in science is in its early stages so there are still a lot of unknown factors and potential risks
• In particular there is a lack of understanding on how they may affect health
• Although there haven’t been any serious short term side effects, there could be long term side effects which we haven’t detected yet as they haven’t been in use long enough
• Even a small amount of toxicity in a particular nanoparticle would be multiplied due to the high surface area to volume ratio
• This coupled with the fact that they are not easily disposed of by the body are a cause for caution in the medical application of nanoparticles