Preparation methods of different nanomaterials for various potential applications: A review

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure 2023-06, Vol.1281, p.135148, Article 135148
• Main Authors: El-Khawaga, Ahmed M., Zidan, Alaa, El-Mageed, Ahmed I. A. Abd
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bottom-up; Laser ablation; Sol-gel; Sputtering; Synthesis of nanomaterials; Top-down; Vapor deposition
• ISSN: 0022-2860; 1872-8014
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135148

•This review highlights the different types as well as the different methods used in the synthesis and/or preparation of different nanomaterials.•There are numerous types of nanomaterials i.e. magnetic, metallic, alloy-based, and metal oxide-based.•Nanomaterials can be prepared and/or produced physically, chemically, and biologically via two main approaches i.e. bottom-up and top-down, depending on starting precursors of nanoparticle generation.•The two approaches can have a potential application in considerable branches i.e. nano-molecular electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, energy storage materials, composite materials, nano-biotechnology, and nano-medicine.•In the top down technique, appropriate raw substance is crushed to tiny nanoparticles using lithographic processes such as milling, sputtering, grinding, chemical etching as well as laser ablation.•Bottom-up strategy uses various chemical (i.e. so-gel, laser pyrolysis, Aerosol, vapor deposition) and biological techniques (i.e. bacteria, fungi, yeast and plants) to create nanoparticles by self-assembling atoms, creating new nuclei that eventually develop into particles of nano-scaled dimensions. Nanomaterials are an interesting class of materials that include a wide variety of samples with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm. Nanomaterials are cornerstones of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Controlling the size, shape, and composition of the nanomaterials is an uphill task and have a profound impact on their performance. Along with potential health and safety risks, producing large quantities of high-quality nanomaterials are challenging and expensive. The synthesis and growth process of nanostructures and nanomaterials is one of the key elements in the utilization of nanomaterials and their applications in several sectors. The morphology and structure of nanomaterials depend also on the method used for synthesis and growth. This review discusses the various nanomaterial synthesis methods which are categorized into two main types bottom-up methods and top-down approaches depending on starting precursors of nanoparticle generation. Both approaches are critically discussed, in addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique have been reported. The aforementioned approaches can have a potential technological applications, such as nano-molecular electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, energy storage materials, composite materials, nano-biotechnology, nano-medicine, etc.