Nanomaterials achieve high sensitivity through several mechanisms:
1. High Surface-to-Volume Ratio: Nanomaterials have an exceptionally high surface-to-volume ratio, which increases their interaction with surrounding molecules. This makes them more reactive and capable of detecting smaller changes. 2. Quantum Effects: At the nanoscale, quantum effects can enhance the sensitivity of materials. For example, quantum dots exhibit unique optical properties that make them highly sensitive to changes in their environment. 3. Enhanced Electrical Properties: Nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes and graphene have superior electrical properties, making them excellent candidates for constructing highly sensitive electronic sensors.
