Application of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and their Economic Impact

This chapter focuses on metal oxides as nano building blocks relevant in industrial applications. Metal oxide nanoparticles have been used as colloids and powders for quite some time. In the last 20 years, there has been a tremendous increase in the scientific field as well as in the technological exploitation of metal oxide nanoparticles as reflected by the number of patent applications in the field. The chapter describes selected metal oxide materials, their basic properties, and specific application fields. An enabling nanomaterial will make new products possible, where there is no alternative from conventional materials. In this case the price tags for products can be higher since there is no competition with alternative solutions. From an economical perspective the enabling aspect is the most interesting. Concerning operating profits also the production volume does not necessarily equate with economical value. In cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and medical applications the profit margins are much higher than for industrial applications.