Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer ubiquitous applications in diverse fields.
The materials based on AgNPs provide profitable solutions to the contemporary
exigencies such as energy harvesting, future antibiotics, molecular sensors, tracers,
image enhancers, tomography contrast agents, antimicrobial fabrics, smart wearables,
and many more. The unique physicochemical and optoelectronic properties of AgNPs
play a central role in offering these wide applications. The synthesis and stabilization
of AgNPs via physiologically benevolent molecules, and biomolecules; in addition to
the surface engineering of AgNPs to obtain tailored properties, further support the
diverse applications of silver-based nanomaterials. The green synthesis of AgNPs by
plant extracts, microbial exopolysaccharides, and supernatant provides an economical
approach for large-scale generation of AgNPs. The silver nanotechnology popularized
after its utilization in household appliances, including water purifiers, washing
appliances. However, excessive usage with limited regulations led to the manifestation
of increased toxicity in the ecosystem, and successive accumulation in autotrophs and
higher trophic levels in a food chain. Therefore, the ubiquitous applications of AgNPs
must judiciously consider the environmental impact and influence on the ecosystem to
ensure sustainable development. This chapter presents important highlights on the
various applications of AgNPs in the modern era.
Keywords: AgNPs, Biosensors, Oligodynamic effect, Opto-electronic properties, Photocatalysis, Solar cells, Surface fabrication, Surface plasmon resonance.
