Metal nanoparticles

Surface Area:
The main reason for interest in nanometals between 1 to 50 nm in size is their high surface areas. It is estimated that 10% of metal atoms are on the surface for a particle with a 10 nm diameter. In comparison, 60% of the atoms are on the surface for a 2.5 nm size particle. Having such a high percentage of atoms exposed at the surface gives nanometals a distinct advantage over bulk materials.

Irilliant Advantage – High Volume, Low Cost Production:

Currently, most nanometals are produced in small quantities by reduction of metal salts in water or organic solutions. Obtained particles have decent size distribution, but the size is typically large (>20 nm) and not well controlled. Some nanometals are produced on a larger, industrial scale in the gas phase by vacuum evaporation techniques and then stabilized in solution using standard surfactants. In this case, particles tend to agglomerate and the shapes and the sizes of nanoparticles are not well controlled.

Applications:
Nanometals such as silver, copper, nickel, cobalt, gold, titanium, platinum, and iron are already in use. They are used as catalysts, antibacterial agents, electrical conductors in printed circuits, sensors, magnetic materials, components of composites and in fuel cells, in biochemical analysis, and in many other areas.

A large part of the market is occupied by nanosilver. Nanosilver is used in anti-wrinkle, antibacterial clothes (soldier underpants, socks), antibacterial wound dressing, water treatment, and electrical contacts. Potentially, metal nanoparticles can replace large size particles in many applications. Thus, consumers will receive the same or better quality product that uses a smaller amount of material.