Eucalyptus extracts-mediated synthesis of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles: current status and perspectives

VIDAL, GLADYS; MÁRTIRE, DANIEL O; SALGADO, PABLO

Materials Research Express

IOP Publishing

Año: 2019 vol. 6

In recent decades, nanotechnology has received great attention due to its broad fields of application.The conventional processes applied to the synthesis processes of nanomaterials can be classified inchemical and physical methods. These technologies involve several environmental and cost problems.In order to avoid the problems caused by conventional methods, the use of biological systems such asbacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae in the synthesis of nanomaterials has recently received extensiveattention. To the same purpose, the routes of synthesis of metallic and metal oxides nanoparticlesusing plant extracts show promising perspectives. The methods involving plant extracts, unlike otherbiological methods, stand out for their ease and low implementation costs. In addition, the use ofplant extracts avoids the risks associated with the use of highly toxic compounds, which are harmful tohuman health and the environment. This review summarizes the relevance of using plant extracts inthe synthesis of metal and metal oxides nanoparticles compared to other synthesis methods andemphasizes the use of extracts of different species of Eucalyptus. The main topics covered by thisreview include (i) the effect of the synthesis parameters on the features of the nanomaterials; (ii) theeffect of the composition of the extracts on the synthesis; (iii) the main mechanisms proposed toexplain the formation of the nanoparticles; and (iv) future challenges related to the green synthesis ofnanoparticles.