IIT-M made mineral nanoparticles with water

Source- This post on the IIT-M made mineral nanoparticles with water has been created based on the article “Outstanding work’: IIT-M team makes mineral nanoparticles with water” published in “The Hindu” on 10 July 2024.

Recently, researchers at IIT Madras have demonstrated a novel method to create mineral nanoparticles using microdroplets of water. This discovery holds potential implications for various fields, including the origin of life and agricultural soil replenishment.

The Role of Water Microdroplets

1. Microdroplets are tiny droplets, about 10 micrometers (μm) in size, which is 100 times smaller than raindrops.

2. They come in different sizes, from large raindrops to very tiny particles called aerosols.

3. The smallest microdroplets are a thousand times smaller than a typical raindrop and are too small to see with the naked eye. Even though they are very small, microdroplets can play a big role in chemical reactions.

4. The research reveals that microdroplets of water can break down minerals into nanoparticles, a process that is not possible with bulk water.

5. Due to their small size and closely packed water molecules, microdroplets are more reactive and capable of engaging in chemical reactions at a much faster rate, sometimes up to a million times faster than bulk water.

Implications for Proto-Cells and Agriculture

i) This research has potential relevance to the study of proto-cells which is the precursors to modern cells.

ii) The study suggests that microdroplets could mimic proto-cells by facilitating biochemical reactions within small compartments, which is exciting in the context of understanding the origins of life.

Agricultural Applications

i) The formation of nanoparticles from microparticles is also significant for agriculture. Silica nanoparticles, for instance, can be absorbed by plants to enhance their growth.

ii) This discovery could lead to methods of converting unproductive soils into fertile lands, thus positively impacting food production and addressing issues related to water and food security.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology