Paper surfaces functionalized by nanoparticles

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Abstract

Nanomaterials with unique electronic, optical and catalytic properties have recently been at the forefront of research due to their tremendous range of applications. Taking gold, silver and titania nanoparticles as examples, we have reviewed the current research works on paper functionalized by these nanoparticles. The functionalization of paper with only a very small concentration of nanoparticles is able to produce devices with excellent photocatalytic, antibacterial, anti-counterfeiting, Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) performances. This review presents a brief overview of the properties of gold, silver and titania nanoparticles which contribute to the major applications of nanoparticles-functionalized paper. Different preparation methods of the nanoparticles-functionalized paper are reviewed, focusing on their ability to control the morphology and structure of paper as well as the spatial location and adsorption state of nanoparticles which are critical in achieving their optimum applications. In addition, main applications of the nanoparticles-functionalized papers are highlighted and their critical challenges are discussed, followed by perspectives on the future direction in this research field. Whilst a few studies to date have characterized the distribution of nanoparticles on paper substrates, none have yet optimized paper as a nanoparticles' substrate. There remains a strong need to improve understanding on the optimum adsorption state of nanoparticles on paper and the heterogeneity effects of paper on the properties of these nanoparticles.

Graphical Abstract

Research Highlights

► Photocatalytic, SPR, SERS, antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles are reviewed. ► Control of morphology and structure of paper enhances nanoparticles’ performance. ► Spatial location and adsorption of nanoparticles on paper need to be optimized. ► Main applications of the nanoparticles-functionalized papers are highlighted. ► Heterogeneity and light interaction between nanoparticles and paper are critical.

Introduction

The area of nanotechnology reviewed in this article involves controlled deposition of individual nanoparticles or their aggregates into desired configurations on paper, to produce materials with unique properties and functions [1]. Nanoparticles with distinctive electronic, optical and catalytic properties have been at the forefront of research due to their tremendous applications. A wide range of techniques have been used to synthesize nanoparticles in different solid mediums, such as glass [2], metallic [3] and polymeric films [4] to realize new applications. However, development of simpler and more direct methods is still needed to readily generate the desired size, shape, and adsorption of nanoparticles on appropriate and strategic substrates. Taking gold (AuNPs), silver (AgNPs) and titania nanoparticles (TiO2) (Table 1) as examples, the state of paper functionalized by these nanoparticles is analyzed in this review.

The porous structure and hydrophilic fiber surface allow paper to absorb suspensions of nanoparticles by capillary forces, yielding a high loading of nanoparticles upon drying. Furthermore, paper is a low cost substrate and only a very small volume of TiO2, AuNPs and AgNPs deposited on paper can produce devices which show excellent optical [5], antibacterial [6], [7], anti-counterfeiting [8], Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) [9] and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) [10] performances. In addition, paper has the advantage of being biodegradable, biocompatible and renewable whilst its structural morphology as well as surface chemistry can be readily engineered.

The objectives of this article are to critically review the development of nanoparticles-functionalized paper and assess missing knowledge and opportunities. A brief overview of the properties of TiO2, AuNPs and AgNPs is presented first, to provide a background for further discussion of the nanoparticles-functionalized paper. These nanoparticles have been selected due to their wide usage and unique applications. This review then focuses on the deposition/assembly and applications of the nanoparticles-functionalized paper. Finally, the future challenges and opportunities of this field are presented.

Section snippets

Properties of nanoparticles

Before analyzing the preparation methods and applications of nanoparticles-functionalized paper, the properties of TiO2, AuNPs and AgNPs (Table 1) are presented in this section. Due to extensive range of properties displayed by these three nanoparticles, we only intend to provide a brief overview of their photocatalytic, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and antibacterial properties which are related to the end-use of the respective

Attachment methods of nanoparticles to paper

There are many publications and patents describing methods of attachment/binding of nanoparticles onto paper, particularly for TiO2-functionalized paper. A brief review of the major strategies is presented in this section. Basically, there are two approaches for attaching nanoparticles onto paper, “wet-end addition”, where nanoparticles are adhered onto individual fibers before paper sheet formation, and “surface treatment”, where dry paper sheet is impregnated with nanoparticles by passing

Self-cleaning

The unique combination of photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties of TiO2 has markedly increased their application range, especially as a coating on cellulosic materials such as paper [45]. The ability of water to soak between stain and highly hydrophilic TiO2 surface results in easy and efficient stain removal. Hence, TiO2-coated surfaces have been widely used in outdoors. An example is a Japanese paper window blind with excellent self-cleaning properties, wherein stain is decomposed by

Challenges and opportunities

Most studies have relied on paper as an inert support for nanoparticles and very few, if any, have considered the distribution of nanoparticles in the three dimensions (3D) of paper, or the concept of heterogeneity and the effect of manipulating different length scales possible. Furthermore, little attention has been devoted to engineer the properties of nanoparticles-paper composite. In some instances of photocatalysis, SPR and SERS, nanoparticles on paper have provided better properties than

Conclusion

A critical review of the properties, attachment methods and applications of nanoparticles-functionalized paper has been presented. Three types of nanoparticles were reviewed: titania, AuNPs and AgNPs. Paper is a low cost, cellulosic non-woven and only a very small volume fraction of these nanoparticles is needed to significantly alter its properties, especially the photocatalytic and optical properties. The emerging applications of nanoparticles-functionalized paper mostly involve interaction

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Dr. Peter Miller and Dr. Tim Williams from the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy (MCEM) for discussions and SEM technical suggestions. The financial supports of the ARC Linkage – Project grant (LP0989823), the Australian Pulp and Paper Institute and Monash University are acknowledged.

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