Synthesis, morphological control, and properties of silver nanoparticles in potential applications

Nanostructured materials, especially nanoparticles (NPs), of noble metal NPs such as silver (Ag) have been the focus of research in recent decades because of their distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties. These materials have attracted considerable attention because of their potential applications, such as catalysis, biosensing, drug delivery, and nanodevice fabrication. Previous studies on Ag NPs have clearly demonstrated that their electromagnetic, optical, and catalytic properties are strongly influenced by their shape, size, and size distribution, which can be varied by using different synthetic methods, reducing agents, and stabilizers. The valuable optical properties of Ag NPs have allowed for new approaches in sensing and imaging applications, offering a wide range of detection modes, such as colorimetric, scattering, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering techniques, at extremely low detection limits. Here, an overview of the various chemical, physical, and biological properties of Ag NP fabrication approaches to obtain the various shapes and sizes is presented. The synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and the ability to control size, shape, and crystalline structure of NPs during fabrication have important roles in numerous applications. Ag NPs can be produced by fabrication methods such as chemical reduction, electrochemical, γ-radiation, and laser ablation. Single-crystalline Ag nanostructures, including dendrites, dendritic flowers, cactus-like rods, and wires, are successfully synthesized.