Synthesis of nickel nanoparticles by physiochemical and biogenic approaches and their multifactor applications

Recently, nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) have become the center of attention due to their promising features including excellent surface area to volume ratio, eco-friendly or nontoxic nature and excellent reactivity. NiNPs possess catalytic, photocatalytic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, electrochemical and anti-oxidant properties in different industrial and medical applications. This review summarizes the physiochemical/biological procedures and characterization techniques alongwith their main role and limitations which were used for the formation of NiNPs. This study also discussed techniques applied for the preparation of NiNPs, preparation methodology, reaction parameters that affect properties of NiNPs and phytochemical analysis of different plants presented in the literature has been critically reviewed. Hypothetical procedures for the reduction/stabilization of Ni ions by quercetin or santin, antibacterial/antimicrobial potential and catalysis of 4-nitrophenol are also discussed.