Catalyst nanoparticle shapes
In this activity, students use modelling clay to construct different shapes (sphere, cube, cylinder) and calculate surface area:volume ratios with the aim of trying to develop a more efficient shape.
Designer catalysts
John Watt describes how increasing the surface area of nanoparticles increases their performance as catalysts.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
understand the importance of the shape of catalysts when they are in the form of nanoparticles
explain what is meant by surface area
use mathematical formulae to calculate surface area:volume ratios
explain which shape is the most efficient.
Download the Word file for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
discussion questions
extension idea
student handout.
Related content
The article Nanoscience explained provides an overview of nanotechnology – its history and some future possibilities in the nanotechnology field. Nanometres and nanoscale gives practical explanations of these concepts.
New Zealand researchers are exploring industrial applications, such as using nanotechnology catalysts to improve the efficiency of fuel cells. Discover more in Electrocatalysts for future fuels and Gold nanoparticles from plants. Others are investigating making new nanoparticle shapes to increase the efficiency of catalysts and reduce poisonous emissions from car exhausts. In the biomedical area scientists are looking into the use of quantum dots to find and eventually target drug delivery to cancerous cells.
