Chemistry - 3 Structure and Bonding - 3.12 Applications of Nanoparticles

Glass [3]

- coated with titanium oxide nanoparticles
- sun triggers chemical reaction that breaks down dirt on the glass
- when it rains, water spread evenly on the surface so broken-down dirt is rinsed off

Sunscreen [3]

- titanium oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles used
- can be coated with silica
- more effective at blocking UV than conventional UV absorbers

Cosmetics industry [1]

- nanoparticles are absored deeper into skin

Medicine [4]

- gold nanocages used to deliver drugs
- small enough to enter tumours but not healthy blood vessels
- when a laser is directed at the tumour, the nanocages are heated and they heat the tumour whilst barely warming surrounding tissue
- they can also carry cancer-fighting drugs

Sport [3]

- nanotubes are light yet strong
- they can be used in sports equipment
- such as tennis rackets

Antimicrobial coating [4]

- silver nanoparticles constantly release a low level of silver ions
- these protect against bacteria
- they can be used to coat items and give them protection
- e.g. fridges, keyboards, wound dressings

Electronics [3]

- nanotubes used as nanowires
- to construct small electrical circuits
- improve the speed and memory capacity of computers

Sensors [2]

- nanotubes can make very sensitive sensors
- can detect traces of a gas in breath before asthma attack

Protection [4]

- nanotech suits, thin but bulletproof
- recieve aerial views of battlefield from satellite and transmit into soldier's brain
- built-in air conditioning
- nano-biosensors report on condition of soldier

Risks [3]

- large surface are makes great catalysts, which makes them dangerous if they cone into contact with a spark
- they could get into the environment and into our lungs, bloodstream and cells
- accumulate in organisms over time