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10.2 Nanomaterials and their applications

6 min readLast Updated on July 22, 2024

Nanomaterials are tiny particles with big potential. They have unique properties due to their small size, like enhanced reactivity and altered electronic behavior. These properties make them useful in various fields, from medicine to electronics.

Scientists can create nanomaterials in different shapes and sizes, each with specific characteristics. Carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, and quantum dots are just a few examples. While promising, nanomaterials also pose potential risks to health and the environment that researchers are still studying.

Nanomaterials: Properties, Types, and Synthesis

Properties of nanomaterials

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  • Nanomaterials exhibit distinct properties compared to their bulk counterparts due to their small size (1-100 nm) and high surface area-to-volume ratio
    • Enhanced reactivity and catalytic activity enable faster chemical reactions and more efficient catalysts (gold nanoparticles)
    • Altered electronic and optical properties allow for unique applications in electronics and optics (quantum dots)
    • Improved mechanical strength and flexibility make nanomaterials suitable for reinforcing composites and creating flexible devices (carbon nanotubes)
  • Size-dependent properties emerge at the nanoscale as a result of quantum confinement and surface effects
  • Nanomaterials can be engineered to possess specific properties by controlling their size, shape, and composition during synthesis
    • Adjusting the size and shape of nanoparticles allows for tailoring their optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties (gold nanorods, iron oxide nanospheres)
    • Modifying the surface of nanomaterials with functional groups or ligands enables targeted interactions and improved compatibility with other materials (functionalized carbon nanotubes)

Types and synthesis of nanomaterials

  • Carbon-based nanomaterials encompass a diverse range of structures and properties
    • Fullerenes (C60, C70) are hollow carbon cages with unique electronic and optical properties
    • Carbon nanotubes (single-walled and multi-walled) possess exceptional mechanical strength and electrical conductivity
    • Graphene and its derivatives (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide) exhibit high electron mobility and thermal conductivity
  • Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have wide-ranging applications in catalysis, sensing, and imaging
    • Gold, silver, and copper nanoparticles are used in catalysis, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and antimicrobial applications
    • Iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide nanoparticles find applications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photocatalysis, and UV protection
  • Semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) exhibit size-dependent optical and electronic properties
    • Cadmium selenide, cadmium sulfide, and lead sulfide quantum dots are used in bio-imaging, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
  • Polymeric nanomaterials offer versatile functionalities and biocompatibility
    • Dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers have well-defined structures and can be used for drug delivery and catalysis
    • Block copolymer micelles and vesicles self-assemble into nanostructures for drug encapsulation and release
  • Synthesis methods for nanomaterials can be classified into top-down and bottom-up approaches
    1. Top-down approaches involve breaking down bulk materials into smaller nanostructures
      • Lithography techniques (electron beam, nanoimprint) pattern nanoscale features on surfaces
      • Etching processes (reactive ion etching, wet chemical etching) selectively remove material to create nanostructures
      • Mechanical milling reduces particle size through high-energy collisions
    2. Bottom-up approaches involve building nanomaterials from smaller components or precursors
      • Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grows nanomaterials on substrates using gas-phase precursors
      • Sol-gel methods form nanoparticles through hydrolysis and condensation of precursors in solution
      • Self-assembly relies on intermolecular interactions to organize molecules or nanoparticles into ordered structures

Applications across diverse fields

  • Medical applications leverage the unique properties of nanomaterials for improved diagnostics and therapeutics
    • Targeted drug delivery using functionalized nanoparticles enhances the specificity and efficacy of drug treatments (liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles)
    • Diagnostic imaging with contrast agents based on nanoparticles improves the sensitivity and resolution of medical imaging techniques (iron oxide nanoparticles for MRI)
    • Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine benefit from nanoscaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix and promote cell growth and differentiation (nanofiber scaffolds)
  • Electronic applications harness the exceptional electronic and optical properties of nanomaterials
    • Nanoelectronic devices, such as transistors and memory storage, achieve higher performance and lower power consumption compared to conventional electronics (carbon nanotube transistors)
    • Transparent conductive films using carbon nanotubes or graphene enable flexible and high-performance electronic displays and solar cells
    • Quantum computing with quantum dots exploits their quantum properties for faster and more efficient computation compared to classical computers
  • Energy applications utilize nanomaterials for improved energy conversion and storage
    • Nanostructured solar cells, such as dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, enhance light absorption and charge transport for higher efficiency
    • Nanocomposite materials for lightweight and high-capacity batteries improve energy density and cycle life (silicon nanoparticle anodes)
    • Nanomaterial-based catalysts for fuel cells and hydrogen storage increase the efficiency and durability of clean energy technologies (platinum nanoparticle catalysts)

Risks and challenges of nanomaterials

  • Health risks associated with nanomaterial exposure raise concerns about their safety and long-term effects
    • Inhalation of nanoparticles can lead to respiratory issues, such as inflammation and fibrosis, due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs (carbon nanotubes)
    • Dermal absorption of nanoparticles through skin contact may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions (titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sunscreens)
    • Long-term effects and bioaccumulation of nanomaterials in the body are not yet fully understood and require further research (nanoparticle accumulation in organs)
  • Environmental risks and challenges arise from the release and persistence of nanomaterials in ecosystems
    • Release of nanomaterials into the environment through industrial processes, consumer products, and waste disposal can lead to their accumulation in air, water, and soil
    • Potential toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms, such as fish and plants, may disrupt ecosystem balance and food chains (silver nanoparticles in aquatic environments)
    • Difficulties in detecting and monitoring nanomaterials in the environment complicate the assessment of their fate and impact (lack of standardized analytical methods)
  • Regulatory challenges and ethical considerations surround the development and use of nanomaterials
    • Need for standardized testing and risk assessment protocols to evaluate the safety and environmental impact of nanomaterials before their widespread use
    • Balancing the benefits and risks of nanomaterial use requires careful consideration of their potential applications and unintended consequences
    • Ensuring responsible development and application of nanotechnology involves engaging stakeholders, including researchers, industry, policymakers, and the public, in dialogue and decision-making processes

Research and future of nanomaterials

  • Advanced characterization techniques for nanomaterials provide deeper insights into their properties and behavior
    • Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) enable high-resolution imaging and analysis of nanomaterial morphology and structure
    • X-ray diffraction (XRD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reveal the crystalline structure and size distribution of nanomaterials
    • Spectroscopic methods (UV-vis, Raman, XPS) probe the electronic, vibrational, and chemical properties of nanomaterials
  • Emerging nanomaterial systems and applications expand the frontiers of nanotechnology
    • Two-dimensional materials beyond graphene, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (MoS2, WSe2), exhibit unique electronic and optical properties for next-generation devices
    • Perovskite nanocrystals show promise for high-performance optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes, due to their tunable bandgap and high quantum efficiency
    • Nanomaterial-based sensors and biosensors enable highly sensitive and selective detection of chemical and biological analytes (graphene-based gas sensors, plasmonic biosensors)
  • Interdisciplinary research and collaborations drive the advancement of nanomaterial science and technology
    • Integration of nanomaterials with biotechnology and medicine leads to innovative solutions for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostic tools (nanomedicine)
    • Computational modeling and simulation of nanomaterial properties and behavior accelerate the design and optimization of new nanomaterials and devices (molecular dynamics simulations)
    • Nanomaterial-based solutions for energy and environmental challenges, such as solar energy conversion, energy storage, and water purification, contribute to sustainable development (photocatalytic water splitting, nanofiltration membranes)

Term 1 of 35

Bioaccumulation
See definition

Bioaccumulation is the process by which organisms accumulate toxic substances from their environment, leading to higher concentrations of these substances in their bodies over time. This phenomenon occurs when the rate of intake of a toxic substance exceeds the rate of elimination, causing organisms to store harmful chemicals, often from sources like water, soil, and food. Bioaccumulation is particularly significant in aquatic environments where pollutants can persist and magnify through the food chain.

Key Terms to Review (35)

Term 1 of 35

Bioaccumulation
See definition

Bioaccumulation is the process by which organisms accumulate toxic substances from their environment, leading to higher concentrations of these substances in their bodies over time. This phenomenon occurs when the rate of intake of a toxic substance exceeds the rate of elimination, causing organisms to store harmful chemicals, often from sources like water, soil, and food. Bioaccumulation is particularly significant in aquatic environments where pollutants can persist and magnify through the food chain.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Term 1 of 35

Bioaccumulation
See definition

Bioaccumulation is the process by which organisms accumulate toxic substances from their environment, leading to higher concentrations of these substances in their bodies over time. This phenomenon occurs when the rate of intake of a toxic substance exceeds the rate of elimination, causing organisms to store harmful chemicals, often from sources like water, soil, and food. Bioaccumulation is particularly significant in aquatic environments where pollutants can persist and magnify through the food chain.



© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Glossary
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