IntermediateTopic 56 of 100Materials & Chemical
Nanomaterials
Properties change at nanoscale due to surface effects and quantum confinement.
In depth
Nanomaterials (1–100 nm: nanoparticles, nanotubes, graphene, quantum dots, nanowires) show size-dependent properties due to high surface-to-volume ratio and quantum confinement. Uses: catalysts, coatings, sensors, drug delivery, batteries. Safety and toxicology assessments are needed.
Key points
- Top-down vs bottom-up synthesis
- Carbon nanotube strength
- Characterisation by TEM and AFM
ExampleQuantum dots emit different colours depending on their size.
Nanomaterials have properties that change with size, so they open new options for strength, catalysis, electronics and coatings.
What is Nanomaterials?
Properties change at nanoscale due to surface effects and quantum confinement.
Why is it important to understand nanomaterials?
Nanomaterials have properties that change with size, so they open new options for strength, catalysis, electronics and coatings.
Why do properties change at the nanoscale?
Surface atoms make up a large fraction of the total, and quantum confinement changes electronic and optical behaviour.
What are the risks of nanomaterials?
Their health and environmental effects are not always understood, so exposure and handling must be controlled.
How is Nanomaterials used in practice?
Typical applications include using carbon nanotubes to add strength to a composite, making a catalyst with nanoparticles that have a large surface area and applying a nanostructured coating to resist scratches.
What should I learn before Nanomaterials?
Study "Optical and photonic materials" first (topic 55 of 100 in Materials & Chemical). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Nanomaterials?
Top-down vs bottom-up synthesis. Carbon nanotube strength. Characterisation by TEM and AFM.
Can you give an example of Nanomaterials?
Quantum dots emit different colours depending on their size.
What comes after Nanomaterials?
The next topic is "Smart materials", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Nanomaterials?
It is classed as Intermediate in Materials & Chemical (topic 56 of 100). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Materials & Chemical first.