Journal of Nanosciences: Current Research

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore

Publications

• Mini Review   
  Hierarchical Arrangement of Nanoquartz for Toxicological Examinations
  Author(s): Bin Liu*
  
  Quartz dust exposure in the workplace is linked to fatal diseases. A wide range of micrometric to nanometric particles characterize mechanically fractured quartz dust. Due to the strong electrostatic adhesion forces that prevent the nanofraction from being isolated, little is known about how this nanometric fraction affects quartz's overall toxicity. Additionally, fractured silica dust has unique surface characteristics, such as nearly free silanols (NFS), which give quartz a membranolytic activity. Bottom-up methods can be used to make nanoquartz, but the surface chemistry of these crystals is very different from that of fracturing-produced nanoparticles. We present a top-down milling method for producing nanometric quartz with the same toxic surface properties as fractured quartz. By combining the dry and wet stages of ball milling, dispersing the material wi.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.37421/2572-0813.2022.7.153

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