From lab benches to consumer products, tiny engineered particles shape performance, safety, and functionality across industries. A compact reference makes it easier to compare options and spot patterns without digging through dozens of papers.
There are 39 Nanomaterials, ranging from Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles to Zinc Oxide (nano-ZnO). For each entry you’ll find below data organized as Category,Size (nm),Key properties (max 15 words), so you can quickly scan composition, scale, and primary traits before diving deeper.
How are these nanomaterials categorized and why does particle size matter?
Entries are grouped by material type (metals, oxides, carbon-based, polymers, etc.) and list Size (nm) because size controls surface area, optical/electronic behavior, reactivity, and biological interactions; that context helps match a material to an application or hazard profile.
Do I need special safety precautions when handling these materials?
Precautions depend on the material and form—powders often require dust control, gloves, and respirators—so follow safety data sheets, use engineering controls, and consult institutional protocols; some nanomaterials (e.g., certain metal oxides) have documented exposure risks.
Nanomaterials
| Name | Category | Size (nm) | Key properties (max 15 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Nanotube | Carbon | 1-50 | Exceptional strength, high electrical and thermal conductivity, lightweight. |
| Graphene | 2D | 0.34 | Strongest material known, transparent, flexible, highly conductive. |
| Gold Nanoparticles | Metal | 2-100 | Unique optical properties (plasmon resonance), biocompatible, stable, catalytic. |
| Silver Nanoparticles | Metal | 10-100 | Potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, conductive, optical effects. |
| Titanium Dioxide (nano-TiO2) | Metal Oxide | 10-100 | Excellent UV-blocking, photocatalytic, white pigment. |
| Zinc Oxide (nano-ZnO) | Metal Oxide | 20-100 | Broad-spectrum UV absorption, antibacterial, piezoelectric. |
| Quantum Dots (CdSe) | Semiconductor | 2-10 | Size-tunable light emission, very bright fluorescence. |
| Fullerene (C60) | Carbon | ~1 | Strong antioxidant, electron acceptor, spherical cage-like structure. |
| Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles | Ceramic | 50-100 | High surface area, tunable nano-sized pores, biocompatible. |
| Liposomes | Biomaterial | 50-100 | Biocompatible, encapsulates drugs, mimics cell membranes. |
| Dendrimers | Polymer | 1-15 | Precisely defined structure, highly branched, functional surface. |
| Graphene Quantum Dots | Carbon | <10 | Fluorescent, low toxicity, water-soluble, photostable. |
| Nanodiamonds | Carbon | 4-10 | Extremely hard, chemically stable, fluorescent centers, biocompatible. |
| Iron Oxide Nanoparticles | Metal Oxide | 5-100 | Superparamagnetic, biocompatible, X-ray and MR contrast. |
| Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles | Metal Oxide | 10-50 | Regenerative antioxidant, UV absorbent, catalyst. |
| Silicon Quantum Dots | Semiconductor | 2-10 | Biocompatible, biodegradable, photoluminescent. |
| Platinum Nanoparticles | Metal | 2-20 | Highly catalytic, stable, antioxidant properties. |
| Copper Oxide Nanoparticles | Metal Oxide | 10-80 | Antimicrobial, semiconductor, catalytic activity. |
| Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles | Metal Oxide | 20-100 | High hardness, thermal stability, electrically insulating. |
| Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanosheets | 2D | <1 | Semiconductor with a natural bandgap, excellent lubricant. |
| Boron Nitride Nanotubes | Ceramic | 1-80 | Electrically insulating, thermally conductive, high strength, stable. |
| Solid Lipid Nanoparticles | Biomaterial | 50-100 | Biocompatible, biodegradable, protects encapsulated drugs. |
| Polymer Micelles | Polymer | 10-100 | Self-assembles, carries hydrophobic drugs, biocompatible. |
| Nanoclays | Ceramic | 1-10 | High aspect ratio, improves mechanical properties, flame retardant. |
| Gold Nanoshells | Composite | 60-100 | Tunable light absorption, generates localized heat. |
| Silver Nanowires | Metal | 20-100 | High electrical conductivity, transparent, flexible. |
| Indium Phosphide (InP) QDs | Semiconductor | 2-8 | Cadmium-free fluorescence, tunable bright emission. |
| Palladium Nanoparticles | Metal | 2-20 | Excellent catalyst, hydrogen storage capability, stable. |
| Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) | 2D | <1 | Insulating, thermally conductive, “white graphene”, stable. |
| Carbon Dots | Carbon | <10 | Fluorescent, low-cost, excellent biocompatibility, water-soluble. |
| Graphene Oxide | 2D | ~1 | Water-dispersible, easily functionalized, electrically insulating. |
| Reduced Graphene Oxide | 2D | ~1 | Electrically conductive, large surface area, good dispersibility. |
| Polymeric Nanofibers | Polymer | 50-100 | High surface area-to-volume ratio, porous, flexible. |
| MXenes | 2D | ~1 | Metallic conductivity, hydrophilic, high capacitance. |
| Perovskite Nanocrystals | Semiconductor | 3-15 | High quantum yield, tunable bandgap, efficient light absorption. |
| Upconverting Nanoparticles | Composite | 20-50 | Converts low-energy light to high-energy light. |
| Halloysite Nanotubes | Ceramic | 30-70 | Natural, tubular structure, biocompatible, high strength. |
| Bismuth Nanoparticles | Metal | 10-100 | High atomic number, low toxicity, excellent X-ray contrast. |
| Nanocellulose | Biomaterial | 5-20 | High strength, lightweight, biodegradable, transparent. |
Images and Descriptions
Carbon Nanotube
Rolled-up sheets of graphene forming hollow cylinders. Used in composites, electronics, and batteries. Inhalation of certain types can pose respiratory risks, requiring careful handling and regulation.
Graphene
A single layer of carbon atoms in a honeycomb lattice. Applications include electronics, composites, and coatings. Its biocompatibility is under intense study, varying by flake size and functionalization.
Gold Nanoparticles
Tiny spheres of gold exhibiting size-dependent colors. Used in medical diagnostics, drug delivery, and catalysis. Generally considered non-toxic, but long-term effects of accumulation are being researched.
Silver Nanoparticles
Particles of silver valued for their ability to kill germs. Found in textiles, wound dressings, and consumer products. Can be toxic to aquatic life, so environmental release is a significant concern.
Titanium Dioxide (nano-TiO2)
A mineral oxide used in sunscreens for transparent UV protection and in self-cleaning coatings. Inhalation of nano-TiO2 dust is a concern, so its use in aerosol sprays is regulated.
Zinc Oxide (nano-ZnO)
A common ingredient in sunscreens and lotions for transparent UV protection. Also used in antibacterial coatings. Can be toxic to aquatic organisms, requiring responsible disposal.
Quantum Dots (CdSe)
Semiconductor nanocrystals that glow in specific colors based on their size. Used in high-end displays (QLED TVs) and bio-imaging. Contains toxic heavy metal (cadmium), raising health concerns.
Fullerene (C60)
A molecule of 60 carbon atoms in a soccer-ball shape. Explored for use in medicine, lubricants, and solar cells. Its biological effects are complex and depend heavily on its chemical form.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Silica particles with a honeycomb-like network of pores. Ideal for controlled drug delivery and catalysis. Considered relatively safe and biodegradable, but long-term tissue interaction is studied.
Liposomes
Spherical vesicles made of a lipid bilayer, famously used to deliver mRNA vaccines. A leading platform for targeted drug delivery. Generally safe and biodegradable with low intrinsic toxicity.
Dendrimers
Tree-like macromolecules with a central core and branching units. Used in drug delivery, gene therapy, and as medical imaging agents. Toxicity varies with surface chemistry and charge.
Graphene Quantum Dots
Tiny pieces of graphene that exhibit quantum effects. A promising non-toxic alternative for bio-imaging, sensors, and LEDs. Generally considered to have good biocompatibility.
Nanodiamonds
Diamond particles produced by detonation or synthesis. Used as polishing agents, in composites, and for drug delivery. Considered highly biocompatible and non-toxic for most biomedical applications.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Magnetic particles (magnetite/maghemite) used as MRI contrast agents and in cancer therapy. Also used in data storage. They are biodegradable and generally safe at clinical doses.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles
Also known as nanoceria, it has unique oxygen-storing abilities. Used as a fuel additive, polishing agent, and explored for therapeutic uses. Its biological effects can be both protective and toxic.
Silicon Quantum Dots
Quantum-sized particles of silicon, seen as a non-toxic alternative to traditional quantum dots for bio-imaging and drug delivery. It biodegrades into harmless silicic acid, a major safety advantage.
Platinum Nanoparticles
Valued for their ability to speed up chemical reactions. Essential in automotive catalytic converters, fuel cells, and cancer therapy. Generally biocompatible, but long-term exposure is being studied.
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
Used as an antimicrobial agent in textiles and paints, and in electronics as a p-type semiconductor. Can be toxic to cells and aquatic life due to the release of copper ions.
Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles
Also known as nano-alumina, it’s used as an abrasive, in ceramic composites, and as a filler in polymers. Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory issues, requiring workplace safety controls.
Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanosheets
A layered material similar to graphene, but with properties making it ideal for transistors and catalysts. Biocompatibility is an active area of research, with results depending on its form.
Boron Nitride Nanotubes
Structural analogs of carbon nanotubes, but made of boron and nitrogen. Used in high-temperature applications where electrical insulation is key. Considered to have good biocompatibility.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Drug carriers made from solid lipids, offering better stability than liposomes. Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Composed of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) materials.
Polymer Micelles
Core-shell structures formed by special polymers in water. Used to solubilize and deliver poorly water-soluble cancer drugs. Safety depends on the specific polymer used.
Nanoclays
Clay minerals processed into nano-scale platelets. Used as fillers to reinforce plastics in automotive parts and packaging. Generally considered safe, with a risk profile similar to bulk clay.
Gold Nanoshells
A silica core coated with a thin layer of gold. They absorb near-infrared light to generate heat for killing cancer cells. The core materials are inert, but body clearance is studied.
Silver Nanowires
Long, thin wires of silver that form conductive networks. Used for transparent electrodes in touch screens and solar cells. Can release silver ions, posing environmental concerns like silver nanoparticles.
Indium Phosphide (InP) QDs
A less-toxic alternative to cadmium-based quantum dots for use in vibrant displays and lighting. Safer, but can still pose risks if the material degrades and releases its components.
Palladium Nanoparticles
Highly effective catalysts for chemical reactions, especially in cars and pharmaceuticals. Also explored for hydrogen sensing and storage. Generally low toxicity, but some palladium compounds can be allergenic.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN)
A 2D material with a honeycomb structure like graphene. It’s an excellent insulator used as a substrate for advanced electronics. Biocompatibility is considered very high.
Carbon Dots
A class of carbon nanoparticles that are an eco-friendly alternative to quantum dots. Used in bio-imaging, sensing, and security inks. Their low toxicity and simple synthesis are major advantages.
Graphene Oxide
An oxidized form of graphene, making it easy to process in water. A key precursor for making other graphene materials and is used in composites and water filters. Can induce oxidative stress in cells.
Reduced Graphene Oxide
Graphene oxide that has been treated to restore conductivity. Used in batteries, supercapacitors, and conductive inks. Its biological impact is between that of pristine graphene and graphene oxide.
Polymeric Nanofibers
Extremely thin fibers typically produced by electrospinning. Used in tissue engineering scaffolds, air filtration, and smart textiles. Safety is material-dependent, with concerns about inhaling fibrous materials.
MXenes
A family of 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides. They are highly conductive and show great promise for energy storage devices like batteries and supercapacitors. Biocompatibility is being actively explored.
Perovskite Nanocrystals
A class of quantum dots with exceptional optical properties for next-generation solar cells and LEDs. Stability issues and the presence of lead are major challenges for safety and commercial use.
Upconverting Nanoparticles
Nanocrystals that emit visible light when excited by safer, deep-penetrating infrared light. Used in bio-imaging and security inks. Toxicity depends on the host material and dopants used.
Halloysite Nanotubes
A naturally occurring clay mineral with a hollow, tubular structure. Used for the slow release of drugs or anti-corrosion agents. Considered non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Bismuth Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles of a heavy but non-toxic metal. Explored as a safe alternative to lead and as a contrast agent for CT scans. Bismuth has a long history of safe use in medicine.
Nanocellulose
Derived from wood pulp or bacteria, these renewable cellulose fibers are strong and versatile. Used in composites, food packaging, and biomedical scaffolds. Generally regarded as safe and environmentally friendly.
