Nanomaterials: Classification, synthesis methodologies, electrochemical approaches, and emerging challenges – A review

This document provides a comprehensive review of the fundamental aspects of nanoscience, including definitions, classifications based on scientific literature and relevant ISO standards, and characterization techniques. It examines nanoparticles (NPs) in terms of dimensionality, structure, composition, and other key properties, offering an integrated perspective on their physicochemical characteristics. Additionally, the review analyzes the main approaches for synthesizing metallic NPs, including green, chemical, and electrochemical methods, with particular emphasis on electrochemical approaches, given their versatility and ability to control nucleation and growth through operational parameters. In this context, special attention is given to precursor systems, highlighting the predominant use of highly purified, idealized chemical sources and the emerging interest in more complex, non-ideal alternatives. The implications of such systems are discussed in relation to process control and reproducibility under more realistic conditions. The document also outlines key applications of NPs in sectors such as healthcare and electronics. Aimed at professionals in Engineering Sciences, this work is intended to serve both as an introductory reference and as a resource for readers seeking a deeper understanding of current challenges and emerging perspectives in nanoparticle synthesis.