Light as a construction tool of metal nanoparticles: Synthesis and mechanism

The photo-induced synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) was reviewed with a closer look at those based on photochemistry. Recent developments in metal NPs research, photochemistry, and photoprocessing techniques have allowed researchers to devise various photo-induced synthetic strategies to obtain metal NPs under a variety of conditions. We begin by outlining the classical method. The photochemical synthesis of metal NPs including direct photoreduction and photosensitization has been developed to achieve decent yields. We focused on stabilization and functionalization method of NPs in photochemical synthesis, which has enabled us to fabricate a variety of metal nanostructures and composite materials. In addition, we mention an alternative approach, that is, laser ablation at the solid–liquid interface. Some of the most innovative studies dealing with the three-dimensional fabrication of metal NPs are highlighted, together with new directions such as potential applications for a light-driven actuator, bioimaging, and three-dimensional processing. This review is concluded with the future perspectives for the photo-induced synthesis of metal NPs.