Synthesis of modified silica gel supported silver nanoparticles for the application of drinking water disinfection: A review

Water treatment technology is advancing to extend the supply of pure drinking water to low-income societies. The application of biomass-based silver nanoparticles for the purification of water is among the outstanding innovations in this respect. Silver has less reactivity and excellent stability, which makes it preferable for biological applications such as drinking water. In this research review, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using different techniques of chemical synthesis, physical synthesis, photochemical synthesis, and biological synthesis was discussed. The synthesis of AgNPs supported by biomass-driven silica gel and its application for the treatment of water were found to be promising technologies. The use of biobased silica aerogel supported AgNPs for water disinfection has recently been the subject of promising research findings as an effective method for killing microorganisms from drinking water. The characteristics of bio-silica aerogel are unequalled, in large part because of its increased porosity, greater surface area, extraordinarily inadequate thermal conductivity density, and potent antibacterial action against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureas (S. aureus) at low concentrations. These features exhibited that the synthesis of bio-based silica aerogel-coated AgNPs for water disinfection is a promising research interest for the disinfection of drinking water. AgNPs also have anti-fouling properties that prevent the clogging of membrane filters, which enhances their potential for improving water quality and safety.