Context:
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have created a novel copper-based catalyst.
About Copper-based Catalyst:
- Unique star-like nanostructure designed for sustainable industrial chemical reactions.
- Created by growing copper oxide nanostructures on a sporopollenin template.
- Green Catalyst: Abundant, low toxicity, efficient, and reusable.
- Efficient in water without additives and can be reused multiple times.
- Applications: Useful in organic reactions, environmental remediation, nanoscale electronics, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
Nano Catalyst:
- A nano catalyst is a material made up of nanoparticles that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed.
- Size: Operates at the nanoscale, with particle sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers.
Key Features of Nano Catalysts:
- High Surface Area: Nanoparticles provide a large surface area, increasing the number of active sites for chemical reactions.
- Selectivity: Can be tailored to target specific reactions, reducing unwanted side reactions.
- Environmentally Friendly: Designed to follow green chemistry principles, requiring less energy and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Applications of Nano Catalysts:
- Industrial Chemical Reactions: Improve process efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
- Environmental Remediation: Help in removing pollutants from air and water.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Enable cleaner and more sustainable drug synthesis.
- Energy Production: Support the generation of clean energy sources like hydrogen.
Limitations of Nano Catalysts:
- High Reaction Time: Can have longer reaction times.
- Expense: Very expensive.
- Toxicity Risks: Use and disposal can be risky to human health and the environment.
- High Sensitivity: Can lose effectiveness under conditions like extreme temperatures and pH levels.
Source: DST
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC CSE – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (d)