Innovative eco-friendly silver nanoparticles: various synthesis methods, characterization and prospective applications

• Published in: Chemical engineering communications 2025-03, Vol.212 (3), p.472-507
• Main Authors: B., Senthil Rathi, P., Senthil Kumar, S., Sanjay, V., Parthasarathy, Rangasamy, Gayathri, Vo, Dai-Viet N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AgNP; Biopolymers; Carbohydrates; Catalysis; Chemical synthesis; Environmental cleanup; Fungicides; green solvents; green synthesis; Hazardous areas; Herbal medicine; Medicinal herbs; Microorganisms; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; plant extracts; Plant layout; Polymers; Raman spectra; Silver; Stabilizers (agents); Water purification
• ISSN: 0098-6445; 1563-5201
• DOI: 10.1080/00986445.2024.2403117

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNP) are highly sought after due to their unique properties and wide-ranging applications across various industries, including medicine, electronics, catalysis, and environmental cleanup. However, traditional AgNP preparation methods involving hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes pose threats to the environment and human health. This review focuses on environmentally friendly techniques for AgNP preparation, such as using medicinal herbs, microbes, polymers, and eco-friendly solvents. Utilizing biodegradable polymers and natural materials reduces the reliance on harmful chemicals, mitigating their adverse environmental impacts. Plant extracts play a crucial role in AgNP production due to their inherent stabilizing and reducing properties. Microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae also show promise in generating AgNP owing to their natural reducing abilities. Biopolymers such as enzymes, carbohydrates, and DNA act as both capping agents and stabilizers for nanoparticles, preventing aggregation. The review highlights the numerous advantages of employing environmentally friendly methods in AgNP production. These applications span various fields, including cancer therapies, antibacterial and antifungal medications, sensors, catalysts, and water filtration systems. AgNP possess unique qualities suitable for diverse uses, including their surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) impact and catalytic properties. The review encourages further research in this area to develop eco-friendly nanomaterials through improved green synthesis techniques and broader applications. Green synthesis techniques for AgNP present a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. In general, environmentally friendly synthesis techniques for synthesizing AgNP have an immense potential for scientific progress and can lead to a wide range of applications.