Advanced Topic 716 of 1102 Inorganic Chemistry
Nanomaterials
Materials with at least one dimension of 1 to 100 nm and size-dependent properties.
In-depth explanation of Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials have at least one dimension between about 1 and 100 nanometres, a size range where properties often differ strongly from those of the bulk material. The surface-to-volume ratio becomes very large, so surface atoms make up a major fraction of the material. At very small sizes, quantum confinement changes electronic and optical properties, so colour can depend on size. Gold nanoparticles look red because of localized surface plasmon resonance, rather than the yellow of bulk gold. Nanomaterials include carbon nanotubes, graphene and quantum dots, and their toxicity is an active area of research.
Going deeper: Nanomaterials
Key ideas: Dimensions of 1 to 100 nm. Properties change due to high surface-to-volume ratio and quantum confinement: gold nanoparticles appear red (surface plasmon near 520 nm), melting point drops for small particles, catalysts become more active. Types: 0D (quantum dots), 1D (nanotubes, nanowires), 2D (graphene), 3D. Synthesis: top-down (milling, lithography) or bottom-up (sol-gel, chemical reduction, CVD). Surface-to-volume ratio of a sphere equals 3 over radius.
Common mistakes and connections: Students think that the same element has the same properties at any size; size affects color, melting point and reactivity. Nanoparticle aggregation requires capping agents such as citrate. Toxicity concerns exist. Graphene is a single layer of sp2 carbon with 2D conductivity. Links to allotropes of carbon, colloids, quantum dots and catalysis.
Visualization of Nanomaterials
Typical size scale from atoms to hair; nanomaterials occupy the 1 to 100 nm range where surface-to-volume ratio changes their properties. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Colloidal gold nanoparticles of about 20 nanometres in water give a deep ruby red solution.
Frequently asked questions about Nanomaterials
What is Nanomaterials?
Materials with at least one dimension of 1 to 100 nm and size-dependent properties.
Is Nanomaterials a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Nanomaterials is a advanced topic in Inorganic Chemistry. It builds on beginner and intermediate topics, so review those first if needed.
What should I learn before Nanomaterials?
Study these earlier topics in Inorganic Chemistry first: Solid State Inorganic Structures, Perovskites, Metal-Organic Frameworks.
What comes after Nanomaterials?
The next topics in Inorganic Chemistry are Quantum Dots and Photovoltaic Materials.
Can I practise Nanomaterials with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Nanomaterials, and the Inorganic Chemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Nanomaterials fits in Inorganic Chemistry
Nanomaterials is topic 101 of 113 in Inorganic Chemistry.