How is Chemical Selectivity Achieved in Nanotechnology?
Several strategies are employed to achieve chemical selectivity in nanotechnology:
Surface Functionalization: Nanomaterials can be functionalized with specific molecules or groups that have a high affinity for the target species. For example, gold nanoparticles can be coated with antibodies to selectively bind to antigens. Size and Shape Control: The size and shape of nanoparticles can be precisely controlled to enhance selectivity. For instance, certain shapes might have higher catalytic activity for specific reactions. Electronic Properties: The electronic properties of nanomaterials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, can be tuned to selectively interact with particular molecules. Porosity: Materials like mesoporous silica have tunable pore sizes that allow selective adsorption of molecules based on size exclusion.
