title: Nanominerals, mineral nanoparticles, and Earth systems.
abstract: 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.
authors: Center for NanoBioEarth, Department of Geosciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061-0420, USA. hochella@vt.edu
authors: Michael F
authors: MF
authors: Hochella
authors: Steven K
authors: SK
authors: Lower
authors: Patricia A
authors: PA
authors: Maurice
authors: R Lee
authors: RL
authors: Penn
authors: Nita
authors: N
authors: Sahai
authors: Donald L
authors: DL
authors: Sparks
authors: Benjamin S
authors: BS
authors: Twining
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals