Gel-nanocomposites: materials with promising applications

Abstract

The race to develop newer materials with superior properties/applications in diversified fields is gathering momentum in modern day science. In this context, an exciting avenue of research deals with the development of hybrid materials resulting from the combination of gels with nanoparticles of different origins. These varying kinds of nanoparticles (inorganic nanoparticles, Au/Ag based nanoparticles and carbonaceous nanostructures like carbon nanotube and graphene) are being used in conjunction with diverse self-assemblies to develop gel-nanocomposites with the scope of generating advanced applications. The present review will track the noteworthy progress of gel-nanocomposites and also will highlight the recent advances in their synthesis, improved properties/features and applications for developing mechanically robust materials to antimicrobial hydrogels.