Why Are Interfacial Interactions Important in Nanotechnology?
Interfacial interactions are essential in nanotechnology for several reasons:
1. Stability: The stability of nanoparticles in a medium depends on interfacial forces. For instance, in colloidal systems, van der Waals forces and electrostatic repulsion determine whether nanoparticles agglomerate or remain dispersed.
2. Functionality: Functional properties like catalytic activity, optical properties, and electrical conductivity are often governed by the interfacial structure and chemistry. For example, in catalysis, the surface atoms at the interface are the active sites for reactions.
3. Self-Assembly: The ability of nanoparticles to self-assemble into well-defined structures is driven by interfacial interactions such as hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces.
