Nanotechnology in Chemistry

Nanotechnology has been shown to be one of the primary reasons that so many things in life are being improved on and enhanced, especially in the medicine sector. However, nanotechnology in other arenas to include chemistry is also revolutionizing the way in which things are manufactured, processed, and more. In this article, we wanted to provide information specific to nanotechnology in chemistry, explaining why this blend of science and creation is so valuable. While there are many facets that

Nanotechnology has been shown to be one of the primary reasons that so many things in life are being improved on and enhanced, especially in the medicine sector. However, nanotechnology in other arenas to include chemistry is also revolutionizing the way in which things are manufactured, processed, and more. In this article, we wanted to provide information specific to nanotechnology in chemistry, explaining why this blend of science and creation is so valuable. While there are many facets that could be discussed, this article will focus on catalysis and filtration in particular.

 

Catalysis

 

One of the more powerful papers generated specific to nanotechnology in chemistry came from the Journal of the American Chemical Society in which it was discussed how a fine textured surface of metal iridium could be used as a means of extracting hydrogen from ammonia, followed by the ammonia being fed to a fuel cell. What made this discovery so fascinating is that the surface of the metal was comprised of literally millions of pyramids, each consisting of facets so small they measured just five nanometers, or five billionths of a meter across. On these facets, ammonia molecules were able to settle into position much like pieces to a puzzle.

 

These particular surfaces are referred to as model catalysts, which serve another purpose – having the ability to catalyze chemical reactions for specific industries to include pharmaceutical and chemical. In looking at standard methods of creating this type of hydrogen economy, two huge obstacles exist. The first is the safe and affordable transport of hydrogen fuel and the second, cost efficiency and safety for storage. Because of this discovery for nanotechnology in chemistry, working with a dangerous fuel such as hydrogen many of the potential risks would be reduced, if not completely eliminated.

 

Because nanotechnology makes it possible for hydrogen to be bound with atmospheric nitrogen into the ammonia molecules, hydrogen fuel could be handled in much the same was as automobile gasoline. Although there would still need to be caution, significant risks would be gone. In addition, because of nanostructured catalysts being developed in this manner, 100% hydrogen could actually be extracted directly from beneath a car’s hood whenever wanted when the fuel cell needed it. In this case, any nitrogen leftover would simply be released back into the atmosphere without causing any harm. In other words, the ammonia would be carbon free in nature, thereby making the catalyst of the fuel cell less likely to deactivate.

 

Hydrogen fuel has long been a serious concern for handling, storage, and transportation but thanks to catalysis associated with nanotechnology in chemistry once technology has been fully developed the change would be of tremendous value. Of course, this is just one example of how nanotechnology in chemistry is making thing easier and better. Because the surface to volume ratio pertaining to chemical catalysis is so massive, the benefits are simple incredible. Along with the benefits connected to hydrogen fuel, other areas in which this discovery has proven helpful is for photocatalytic devices and catalytic converters.

 

Research will continue with the next phase being focused on platinum nanoparticles. With this, it is expected that the new catalytic converters developed would need less platinum in the design again because of the large surface area. There are some concerns currently being addressed but considering how far chemistry has come in the world of nanotechnology, it is expected that officials will have the ability to overcome virtually any obstacle.

 

Filtration

 

The second thing we wanted to address specific to nanotechnology in chemistry has to do with filtration. In this case, attention goes to waste water treatment, which has been a controversial subject for many years. Today, photochemistry plays a key role for this type of treatment, as well as energy storage devices and air purification. With nanotechnology, it has been proven that filtration techniques can become more efficient and effective. For instance, using membranes designed with the appropriate size holes allows liquid to be pressed through while extracting pollutants.

 

These membranes, known as nanoporous membranes can help in a variety of areas such as mechanical filtration. Depending on the type of liquid or other substance being filtered, the holes of the membrane would be a specific size. This makes magnetic separation possible, thereby increasing efficiency to absorb pollutants and contaminants. Not only does this mean cleaner water and air but it also reduces costs when compared to standard techniques used. Today, several water treatment devices designed with nanotechnology are being used and with continued research and more advanced systems, it is anticipated that this form of filtration and purification will one-day become the norm.