Several factors need to be considered when selecting materials for nanotechnological applications:
1. Mechanical Properties: At the nanoscale, materials can demonstrate significantly different mechanical properties. For instance, carbon nanotubes exhibit exceptional tensile strength and flexibility, making them suitable for various applications.
2. Electrical Conductivity: The electrical properties of materials like graphene and silicon can be dramatically different at the nanoscale. These properties are crucial for applications in nanoelectronics and quantum computing.
3. Thermal Stability: Nanomaterials often have higher surface area-to-volume ratios, which can influence their thermal stability. Materials like boron nitride nanotubes are known for their excellent thermal stability.
4. Chemical Reactivity: The increased surface area of nanomaterials can make them more reactive. This can be either an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the application. For example, silver nanoparticles are highly effective as antimicrobial agents due to their increased reactivity.
