Biopolymers are becoming an increasingly important area of research as traditional chemical feedstocks run low and concerns about environmental impacts increase. One area of particular interest is their use for more sustainable development of metal nanoparticles. Biopolymer-based Metal Nanoparticle Chemistry for Sustainability Applications, Volume 1 reviews key polymers found in nature, their characterization and modification, and processes for using them in the development of metal nanoparticles.
Beginning with an introduction to both green chemistry and biopolymers in Part 1, the book goes on to outline the classification of biopolymers in Part 2, with specific details on polysaccharides, proteins and polypeptides, lignin, and polylactic acid. Properties of biopolymers, including biodegradability and toxicity, are the focus of Part 3, before Part 4 goes on to discuss synthesis and characterization.