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High Resolution Physical Characterization of Single Metallic Nanoparticles
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Silver Nanoparticles: Technological Advances, Societal Impacts, and Metrological Challenges
Bryan Calderón-Jiménez1, Monique E Johnson2, Antonio R Montoro Bustos2
1Material Measurement Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyGaithersburg, MD, USA; Chemical Metrology Division, National Laboratory of MetrologySan Jose, Costa Rica.
Frontiers in Chemistry
|March 9, 2017
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer unique properties due to their small size and large surface area. Their increasing use necessitates understanding environmental and health impacts, alongside developing reliable measurement standards.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit distinct properties from bulk silver due to nanoscale size and high surface area.
- Advancements in synthesis and stabilization have led to increased commercialization and research in AgNPs.
- The environmental and human health impacts of widespread AgNP use remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss advancements in AgNP production and their applications.
- To provide an overview of the commercial, societal, and environmental implications of AgNPs and nanomaterials.
- To examine challenges in AgNP characterization and highlight the need for reference materials (RMs).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of AgNP synthesis, production, and applications.
- Analysis of commercial, societal, and environmental impacts of AgNPs.
- Discussion on metrological challenges and the role of reference materials in nanoparticle characterization.
Main Results:
- AgNP commercialization is rapidly increasing, with significant unknown environmental and health consequences.
- Characterization of AgNPs presents metrological challenges, impacting data comparability.
- Development of NP reference materials is crucial for quality control and measurement standardization.
Conclusions:
- The growing use of AgNPs demands thorough investigation into their safety and environmental fate.
- Standardized characterization methods and reference materials are essential for reliable AgNP research and risk assessment.
- Addressing metrological challenges will ensure the responsible development and application of nanotechnology.
