5 - Synthesis and processing

Abstract

This chapter will discuss the various routes through which nanostructures can be created. The typical routes could be chemical, physical, or a combination of both and even biological by nature. Classification can also be based on solid, liquid, gaseous, and plasma synthesis of nanostructures (phase synthesis). Categorization of nanomaterials to be synthesized is also based on their type and source like natural materials, metals, polymers, ceramic, or hybrids/nanocomposites. All the above can be placed into two broad compartments, firstly top-down and secondly bottom-up techniques. The reader will be able to see in how many ways synthesis techniques can be classified. Although nanomaterial scientists have diversified their approaches of nanomaterial synthesis; the biggest challenge in this field is to maintain the stability of the produced nanostructures, while maintaining the purity of the product. Even after decades of rigorous research, the issue of stability of nanoparticles has quizzed scientists around the world. The constant endeavor is also to simplify the techniques of synthesis and processing, so that they can be later scaled up to industrial and commercial production.