Platinum-based nanoparticles: A review of synthesis methods, surface functionalization, and their applications

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their remarkable properties, including a large surface area, excellent catalytic properties, high conductivity, and stability in acidic and alkaline environments. These attributes make them highly suitable for various applications, such as sensors, drug delivery, and radiotherapy. The synthesis method for PtNPs plays a crucial role in determining their properties and suitability for specific applications. Various approaches, including physical, chemical, and biological methods, are currently employed to synthesize PtNPs. Different precursors, reducing agents, and stabilizing agents used in the synthesis route produce PtNPs with different properties. In addition, the surface functionalization of PtNPs is crucial to enhance stability, dispersibility, and biocompatibility. Although numerous reviews have discussed general synthesis methods of PtNPs, detail explanations on specific synthesis parameters, surface functionalization techniques, and applications of PtNPs are still lacking. This review aims to address this gap by focusing on several popular synthesis methods of PtNPs for elucidating the use of precursors, reducing agents, and stabilizing agents. Furthermore, detail surface functionalization strategies employed for PtNPs and their implications in applications such as glucose and heavy metal sensing, drug delivery, radiotherapy, and catalysis are thoroughly discussed. This review discuss the most reported synthesis methods for PtNPs and properties that are beneficial for easy understanding of available approaches. The discussion on the growing interest in surface functionalization of PtNPs offers valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of surface modification in the practical applications of PtNPs. Furthermore, the review explores a wide range of applications for PtNPs, highlighting their versatility as materials with potential to fulfill diverse roles in intended applications.