Surface engineering of nanoparticles for highly efficientUV-shielding composites

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) with high energy can not only hurt human skin but also accelerate the degradation of organic matter. Hence, the preparation of polymer-based UV-shielding nanocomposites has attracted substantial attention due to the low cost, easy processing and wide applications. Notably, the highly efficient UV-shielding polymer nanocomposites are still hindered by the agglomeration of inorganic anti-UV nanoparticles (Nps) in polymer matrix and the narrow absorption range of UV-shielding agents. To overcome the aforementioned bottlenecks, surface engineering of anti-UV Nps including organic modification and inorganic hybridization has been extensively employed to enhance the UV-shielding efficiency of composites. Herein, to deliver the readers a comprehensive understanding of the surface engineering of anti-UV Nps, we systematically summarize the recent advances in surface organic modification and inorganic hybridization related to anti-UV Nps. The UV-shielding mechanism and the factors affecting UV-shielding efficiency of polymer nanocomposites are also discussed. Finally, perspectives on remaining challenges and future development of highly efficient UV-shielding composites are outlined.

Automated summary

This article systematically summarizes the surface engineering of anti-UV nanoparticles, discusses the UV-shielding mechanism of polymer nanocomposites, and explores the factors that affect the UV-shielding efficiency.