Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents in the Synthesis of Inorganic Nanoparticles

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NDESs), as a new type of green solvent, are used in many fields, including industry in extraction processes, medicine, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, electrodeposition, separations, gas capture, biocatalysis and nanotechnology. Mainly due to their properties, such as simple preparation, environmental friendliness, biocompatibility and multifunctionality, they are being used in various fields of industry. This review aims to provide insight into the applications of natural deep eutectic solvents, specifically in nanotechnology processes. It focuses on the description of NDES and how their physicochemical properties are used to obtain functional nanomaterials, including metals, metal oxides and salts. It highlights how the use of NDESs to obtain a wide range of inorganic nanoparticles enables the elimination of disadvantages of traditional methods of obtaining them, including reducing energy consumption and functionalising nanoparticles in situ. In conclusion, recent advances and future directions in the development and applications of NDESs in nanotechnology are discussed with the aim of identifying unexplained scientific questions that can be investigated in the future.

Automated summary

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NDESs) are a new type of green solvent widely used in various fields such as industry, medicine, and nanotechnology due to their simple preparation, environmental friendliness, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality. This review focuses on their applications in nanotechnology processes, specifically in obtaining functional nanomaterials through their physicochemical properties. The advantages of using NDESs in obtaining inorganic nanoparticles are highlighted, including reducing energy consumption and functionalizing nanoparticles in situ. The review also discusses recent advances and future directions in the development and applications of NDESs in nanotechnology.