Uses of Nanoparticles (OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
2.4.2 Uses of Nanoparticles
Where are Nanoparticles Used?
- Medicine:
- MRI Scanning: Nanoparticles can improve the images produced by MRI scans.
- Cancer Therapy: They are used to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, helping to treat the disease more effectively.
- Electronics:
- Memory Chips: Nanoparticles are used in memory chips and transistors, making electronic devices like computers and smartphones smaller and more powerful.
- Cosmetics:
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Skin Care: Nanoparticles are used in lotions to help deliver nutrients to the skin.
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Sun Cream:
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Transparent Sun Creams: Nanoparticles of zinc oxide are used in sun creams to make them transparent rather than white.
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Deodorants:
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Antibacterial Properties: Silver nanoparticles are used in deodorants to kill bacteria that cause body odour.
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- Catalysts:
- Self-Cleaning Windows: Some windows have nanoparticulate coatings that help break down dirt when exposed to sunlight, keeping them clean with less effort.
infoNote
Risks and Research: While nanoparticles have many benefits, they also come with potential risks. Because they are so small, nanoparticles can be easily inhaled and might cause unwanted reactions inside the body. Since nanotechnology is a relatively new field, scientists are still studying its potential dangers.