Highly Efficient Nanocomposites of Silica/Polyacrylamide Hybrids with Silver Nanoparticles for Various Modern Nanotechnologies

This paper presents a review of studies devoted to the synthesis, characterization, structure, properties, and functionality of grafted silica/polyacrylamide “core-corona” hybrids as effective nanoreactors and silver nanoparticle (AgNP) carriers for modern nanotechnologies. The evidence and features of direct low-temperature radical polymerization of acrylamide from the unmodified surface of SiO2 nanoparticles are considered in the context of the manifestation of dynamic matrix effects. A simple and reliable method for determining the number and length of grafted PAAm chains is indicated. Using a number of hybrid samples, the effect of these parameters on the particle size, surface charge, height, and permeability of the PAAm “corona” is demonstrated. A two-level fractal structure of hybrids in the bulk state and two morphological forms of their particles in aqueous solutions are established. Based on the proposed approach, the kinetics, mechanism of in situ synthesis, and the yield of AgNPs in hybrid solutions are characterized depending on the concentration of reagents and the “corona” structure. Considerable attention is paid to the possible application of AgNP/hybrid nanocomposites in promising nanotechnologies: in the production of biocidal hygienic materials and textiles, in wound healing, agriculture, fish farming and poultry farming, as well as anti-cancer agents.