Immobilization of silver nanoparticles on solid materials and their applications: A Review

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field of science. Its emergence is due to the potential for revolutionary breakthroughs in various fields of human endeavor, such as medicine, agriculture, the food industry, biosensors, electronic devices, biotechnology, water purification, environmental remediation, and robotic systems. The colloidal AgNP is synthesized and used for many applications, but agglomeration and instability are leading problems associated with their synthesis. Hence, the use of solid carriers seems to address such problems.  The immobilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on the carrier mainly occurs based on the charge differences between the carrier and the silver ion (Ag⁺), which form a strong bond. The reduction of Ag+ to AgNP during the formation of nanocomposites (NCs) occurs by chemical, physical, or biological processes. The NCs formed with solid supports can prevent agglomeration and exhibit high thermal, mechanical, and chemical stabilities. Due to these unique properties, many NCs can be synthesized using nanotechnological processes, developing innovative techniques that improve human life. This review focuses on various methods used in immobilizing AgNP on different solid substrates as supports and their applications, such as in biomedical, food industries, and water treatment, among other areas. Several methods for immobilizing AgNPs could be used to produce NCs for other important applications.