The answer to this question is simple: 1*10-9 meter. But does this resolution for SI units - i.e. one billionth - benefit our imagination? Probably hardly, or only in exceptional cases. What is clear is that nano indicates something very small. This is already contained in the term itself. It is derived from the Greek prefix "nanos," which can literally be translated as "dwarf.
But how small is very small? Is there an understandable comparison?
Let's have a look at different facts, which are much more descriptive than 1*10-9 Meter:
- a human fingernail grows about 1 nanometer (nm) per second
- the diameter of the DNS-Helix is e.g. 2.5 nm
- a Virus is on average between 30 and 50 nm in size
- a conventional sheet of paper is 80,000 nm thick
In our illustration, we have put some of this on a scale and compared it directly to other sizes.
Now the question remains how to make such quantities visible.
Our team at nEcoTox uses state-of-the-art microscopy techniques, such as TEM (transmission electron microscope) or SEM (scanning electron microcope) analyses. In this way, nanomaterials of different types can be characterized by imaging. In fact, this allows us to learn not only about their size but also about their Form und Gestalt say. In addition, we also use SEM or TEM analyses to determine particle size distributions and material compositions, e.g. according to REACH specifications.
Do you need support in sizing or characterization of nanomaterials? Then contact me by phone at +49 6346 9661491 or via mail seitz@necotox.de.
We will be happy to help you!
Image from PublicDomainPictures at Pixabay
