NANOMATERIAL

Syllabus
Nanomaterials - Definition - Classification - Chemical methods of preparation - Hydrolysis
and Reduction - Applications of nanomaterials - Surface characterisation - SEM –
Principle and instrumentation (block diagram).
1. What is a nanomaterial?
Material having particles or constituents of nanoscale dimensions (1-200 nm), produced
by nanotechnology having certain special properties and behaviors is known as
nanomaterial.

2. Write a note on biological nanomaterials.

Biological nanomaterials include
(i) Proteins, hemoglobin and other molecules, in human and animal bodies.
(ii) Many important functions of living organisms like blood circulation, digestion, energy
liberation etc. take place at the nano scale.
(iii) The body of yeast and bacteria are in nano scale.
3. Explain briefly the classification of nanomaterials.
Depending on the size nanomaterials are broadly classified into four.

i. 0D, Examples spheres and clusters.

ii. 1D, Examples fibers, wires and rods.
iii. 2D, Examples sheets and plates.
iv. 3D, Example bulk nanomaterials.
Depending on their existence nanomaterials re classified into
i. Carbon based nanomaterials
ii. Metal based nanomaterials
iii. Nanopolymers or dendrimers
iv. Nanocomposites
4. Write note on some applications of nanomaterials.
(i) It can be used for manufacturing of satellites and space crafts.
(ii) Carbon nanotubes are used for making sports goods like baseball, bats, and tennis
racquets
(iii) It is used for making flat panel displays in TVs, batteries, another electronics.
5. Explain the chemical reduction method of synthesis of nanoparticle with examples.
The chemical reduction of metal complexes to metallic nanoparticles is a very common
method of preparation of metal nanoparticles.

For this method of preparation various metal salts, (precursors), reducing agents and
polymeric stabilizers are used.

Nano particles with a well-controlled size and shape in colloid form is obtained by this
method.

For example
ZnS nanoparticles can be prepared by the chemical reduction of any Zn salt dissolved in
aqueous or nonaqueous medium by H₂S.

ZnCl₂ + H₂ S → ZnS (Nano particle) + 2 HCl

Highly stable gold nanoparticles can be prepared by reducing chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄)
with tri sodium citrate

HAuCl₄+ Sodium citrate → Au (Nanoparticles)

6. Explain the hydrolysis method of synthesis of nanoparticle with example.

Hydrolysis is a well-known method for synthesizing oxide nanoparticles by sol-gel
processing.
The sol-gel process typically consists of hydrolysis and condensation of the precursors.
Hydrolysis of precursors → condensation → poly condensation → Nano particles
Example
Oxides of metals like Si, Zr and Ti can be synthesized by hydrolysis process.
For this an organometallic precursor is hydrolyzed and condensed to get the nanoparticle
in sol phase.
M-O-R + H2O → M-OH + R-OH (hydrolysis)
M-OH + HO-M → M-O-M (Nano particle) + H2O (water condensation)
(M = Si, Zr, Ti)
7. Explain the principle, instrumentation, working, advantages, disadvantages and
applications of SEM.
Principle
SEM is scanning electron microscope.
It is a powerful tool used for the surface characterization of materials.
In this method the sample surface is scanned with a focused accelerated beam of electrons,
which interacts with atoms in the sample, producing various signals that contain
information about the surface.
This examination provide information about topography (surface features.), morphology
(shape and size of the particles), composition and crystallographic information.
Instrumentation

The block diagram of SEM consist of the following parts

(i) Electron gun – It is the source of electron (Example tungsten wire).
(ii) Condenser lens – Compresses the electrons to a narrow beam.
(iii) Aperture – It controls the diameter of the electron beam.
(iv) Objective lens- It focuses the electron beam to the sample.
(v) Sample chamber – This chamber keeps the sample.
(vi) Detector – To detect the signals.
(vii) Amplifier –To amplify the signals.
(viii) Display – To show the SEM image obtained.
Working
In this process a beam of energetic electrons are produced in an electron gun, and
it is passed through a series of electromagnetic lenses (like condenser lens aperture and
objective lens). Coming out radiations are detected, amplified and recorded to get SEM
image.
Advantages
(i) It gives 3D topographical images.
(ii) Instrument is very fast and easy to operate.
(iii) Data is available in digital form.
Disadvantages
(i) Instrument is expensive and large.
(ii) Special training is required to operate the machine.
(iii) Risk of radiation associated with electrons.
Applications
SEMs are used
(i) As very essential research tool in fields such as life science, biology, gemology, medical
and forensic science, and metallurgy.
(ii) In material science for research, quality control and failure analysis.
(iii) To characterize nanowires and their gas sensing behavior.
(iv) For a speedy, accurate measurement of the composition of semiconductors.
(v) For criminal and other forensic investigations.
(vi) For geological sampling to determine weathering processes and morphology of the
samples.
(vii) In medical science to identify diseases, viruses and testing new vaccinations and
medicines.

KTU QUESTIONS

1. What are nano materials? (4.KTU-AUG-2016)

2. Carbon nanomaterials are promising materials in electronics and reinforcing field.
Justify the statement.(4.KTU-AUG-2016)
3. Write a note on biological nanomaterials. (2.KTU-JUNE-2016)
4. How nanomaterials are classified based on dimension? Give one example for each type.
(4.KTU-AUG-2016) OR Discuss the classification of nanomaterials.(9.KTU-DEC.2017)
5. Describe two chemical methods for preparation of Nanomaterials. (7.KTU-MAY-2017)
OR Explain the following methods for the preparation of nanomaterials (i) Hydrolysis (ii)
Reduction (8.KTU-JULY2017) OR Briefly outline chemical synthesis of nanoparticles.
(9.KTU-DEC.2017) OR Describe any two methods for the preparation of nanomaterials.
(10.KTU-APRIL.2018)
1. Explain the principle, instrumentation, working, advantages, disadvantages
and applications of SEM. (10 Marks)
2. Describe two chemical methods for preparation of nanomaterials with
examples. (10 Marks)
3. Explain briefly the classification of nanomaterials (5 Marks)
4. Define material. Write a note on biological nanomaterials. Give its important
applications. (5 Marks)