Nanotechnology is one of the most exciting fields in the scientific industry, with endless applications which range from jewelry to medicine, space travel and everything in between. It is a discipline that involves building and operating at the microscopic level, using individual atoms to accomplish tasks that are impossible with current technology. Below is the role that silver will play in it.

What Are Silver Nanoparticles?

Silver nanoparticles are small objects which are invisible to the human eyes which display a number of distinct electrical, thermal and optical characteristics. As a result, they are being used in a number of applications, such as chemical and biological sensors and photovoltaics. Scientists have known for years that silver is an outstanding conductor of electricity, which means that they’ve been able to manufacture fillers, inks and pastes which use silver nanoparticles for exceptional conductivity.

Silver is also antimicrobial, which means that its nanoparticles may be used for textiles and coatings, especially for the task of dressing wounds and within biomedical devices. The nanoparticles are capable of steadily and automatically releasing silver ions which will provide continuous protection against bacterium.

Silver Optical Capabilities

Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles are superb at both scattering and absorbing light. They surpass even pigments and dyes, which use color that is dependent on the shape and particle size. The powerful interaction that occurs between silver nanoparticles and light is the result of electrons near the surface that undergo collective oscillation whenever they are exposed to light at certain wavelengths.

The Relationship Between Silver Nanoparticles And Nanotoxicology

Although scientists around the world are exciting by the potential uses of nanotechnology, there is also concern about the effects it will have on humans, animals and the environment. The good news is that nanoparticle panels allow for the shape, surface and size of nanoparticles to be controlled precisely, which means greater safety in regards to nanoparticles and any toxic effects they might have on the surrounding environment. There are also plans to verify nanoparticles before placing them in consumer products and to review their antimicrobial effects prior to distribution. Colloidal silver has been successfully used for years, and so far there have been no reports of it having an adverse effect on the environment.

Silver Nanowires

Silver nanowires are a class of nanoparticles which are being experimented on and used in a number of projects, such as conductive coatings, where they can be applied to flexible electronics and plasmonic antennas, which use silver nanowires that have the enhanced ability for detection and imaging.

Molecular sensing allows a single layer of nanowires to construct arrays which can work in conjunction with Raman Spectroscopy to sense specific molecules. Silver nanowires also show tremendous promise when it comes to nanocomposites, as they can be used as a component which can demonstrate exceptional dielectric constants within these systems. Silver will thus play a key role in future nanotechnology, which means that those who invest in this precious metal today can enjoy fantastic future profits.