Chapter 4 - Challenge and perspectives for inorganic green synthesis pathways

Abstract

The use of inorganic nanomaterials in different fields has seen very remarkable and rapid development in recent years. The synthesis of cheaper, environmentally friendly, and less toxic nanomaterials with controlled dimension, form, and composition is a challenge for scientists. The main approaches applied in the fabrication of inorganic nanoparticles are top-down and bottom-up. The use of the bottom-to-bottom procedure is adopted only in some research laboratories. However, the green synthesis or biosynthesis gained more attention recently for producing a wide range of nanomaterials using reliable, sustainable, and eco-friendly approaches. This approach consists of using biological systems (plants, bacteria, fungi, yeast, etc.) or biomolecules as reducing agents or solvent systems in the building of nanomaterials. The green synthesis of nanomaterials, especially inorganic ones, can lower the risks associated with traditional methods of synthesis. This review aims to cover the challenge encountered during the green synthesis of nanomaterials by different approaches and future perspectives.