Why is Ionic Strength Important in Nanotechnology?
In nanotechnology, controlling ionic strength is essential for several reasons:
Stability of Nanoparticles: The ionic strength affects the electrostatic forces between nanoparticles. High ionic strength can screen these forces, leading to aggregation, while low ionic strength can keep nanoparticles dispersed. Surface Charge: The surface charge of nanoparticles can be influenced by the ionic strength, which in turn affects their zeta potential. This is essential for applications like drug delivery and biosensing. Reaction Kinetics: The rate of chemical reactions involving nanoparticles can be significantly influenced by the ionic strength, affecting the efficiency of catalysis and other processes.
