Context:
IIT Madras researchers have shown formation of nanoparticles from common minerals.
Research Findings:
- Researchers have shown that common minerals (river sand, ruby and alumina) can be broken instantly by charged water microdroplets to make corresponding nanoparticles.
- Microdroplets – Tiny water droplet around 10μm in size and are known to enhance chemical reactions.
- In nature, microdroplets are generated by crashing ocean waves and atmospheric processes.
- Enhancement in process of nanoparticle formation by microdroplets may:
- Provide transformative soil formation technique by accelerating natural weathering process.
- Enable efficient nanoparticle production with broad industrial applications.
- Enhance growth of crops such as rice and wheat where mineral nanoparticles (like silica) are crucial.
Nanoparticles:
- Particles with size ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers are nanoparticles.
- Their properties depend on their shape, size, surface characteristics and inner structure.
- Nanoparticles can be encountered as aerosols (solids or liquids in air), suspensions (solids in liquids) or as emulsions (liquids in liquids).
- Formation of Nanoparticles –
- Formed naturally (erosion or weathering);
- Through human induced industrial and domestic activities (cooking, manufacturing, transport etc.).
- 2 manufacturing approaches –
- Top-down: Breaking of a large particle into nanostructures.
- Bottom-up: Assembling small atoms or molecules into nanostructures.
Applications of Nanoparticles:
- Medical: Targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, tissue engineering etc.
- Industrial: Ability to induce unique electrical, mechanical properties and create stronger, lighter, cleaner surfaces.
- Food processing: Placing anti-microbial agents and increase/ decrease gas permeability in food packaging.
- Environmental: Air purification with ions, wastewater purification with nanobubbles or nanofiltration systems for heavy metals.
- Electronics: Printed electronics, including Carbon Nanotubes, etc.
Source: Times of India
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 same commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct:
A nanoparticle is a small particle that ranges between 1 to 100 nanometres in size. They could be generated by natural processes or could be made artificially and released into the environment.
