At the nanoscale, the surface area to volume ratio of materials increases dramatically. This has a profound effect on their surface energy and reactivity. Nanomaterials often exhibit increased chemical reactivity because a larger proportion of their atoms are exposed on the surface. This property is particularly advantageous in catalysis and sensing applications. Additionally, the high surface energy can influence the mechanical properties of nanomaterials, making them stronger or more ductile compared to their bulk counterparts.
