Nanominerals, mineral nanoparticles, and Earth systems.
Minerals are more complex than previously thought because of the discovery that their chemical properties vary as a function of particle size when smaller, in at least one dimension, than a few nanometers, to perhaps as much as several tens of nanometers. These variations are most likely due, at least in part, to differences in surface and near-surface atomic structure, as well as crystal shape and surface topography as a function of size in this smallest of size regimes. It has now been established that these variations may make a difference in important geochemical and biogeochemical reactions and kinetics. This recognition is broadening and enriching our view of how minerals influence the hydrosphere, pedosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere.
Hochella
Michael F
MF
Center for NanoBioEarth, Department of Geosciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061-0420, USA. hochella@vt.edu
Lower
Steven K
SK
Maurice
Patricia A
PA
Penn
R Lee
RL
Sahai
Nita
N
Sparks
Donald L
DL
Twining
Benjamin S
BS
D001272:Atmosphere; D001695:Biology; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D010316:Particle Size; D012995:Solubility; D013816:Thermodynamics
D008903:Minerals