Several examples illustrate the concept of enhanced activity in nanotechnology:
- Catalysis: Gold nanoparticles exhibit remarkable catalytic properties that are not seen in bulk gold. They can be used in chemical reactions such as the oxidation of carbon monoxide.
- Energy Storage: Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, is used to create supercapacitors with high energy density and rapid charge/discharge cycles.
- Medical Applications: Silver nanoparticles have enhanced antibacterial properties compared to bulk silver, making them useful in wound dressings and coatings for medical devices.
- Environmental Cleanup: Iron nanoparticles can be used to degrade pollutants in water through redox reactions, offering a more efficient solution for environmental remediation.
