**4. Characterization of Polymer-Stabilized Nanoparticles (PSMNPs)**

One of the main features for the development of polymer stabilized metal nanoparticles (PSMNPs) and nanocomposites is their detailed characterization. Specific techniques have to be applied in order to better understand the parameters affecting their synthesis, explain their properties and to adequate them to their final application.

In this sense, several techniques can be used, involving techniques for the chemical characterization and the typical techniques applied in Material Science to determine the MNPs composition, size and shape and their distribution into the matrix as well as the nanocomposite morphology and their special properties (such as magnetism, biocidal, electrocatalytic and catalytic activity among others). These parameters can be studied by using some of the techniques explained in this chapter (or by a combination of some) which include:


54 Ion Exchange Technologies

Standards Organisation).[49]

accidental human exposure.[51, 52]

on health and the environment.[53]

nanocomposites.

regarding NPs ecotoxicology.

for both human beings and the global environment.

environments, yielding the possibility that humans could be exposed to these NPs through inhalation, dermal contact or ingestion and absorption through the digestive tract. Nowadays, there is claim for more restrictive legislation that would allow a better protection

In this sense, for a comprehensive knowledge of properties of these materials (both physical and chemical), it is important to find standards and control materials to work with as reference models (such those from the British Standards Institute and International

An investigation into nanomaterials toxicity involves: a determination of the inherent toxicity of the material, their interaction with living cells and the effect of exposure time.[50] It should be noted that the doses or exposure concentrations used for in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies are most often extraordinarily high in comparison with possible

Consequently, more research is needed before generalized statements can be made

Unfortunately, only few initiatives in this direction have been started so far. For instance, the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, together with industry, has established the research programme NanoCare. This programme has a budget of €7.6 million and aims to assess and communicate new scientific knowledge of the effects of NPs

Scientists and technologists in this area have to deal with NPs presence in the environment but very often they do not have the appropriate tools and analytical methods for NPs

Thus, it is of vital relevance to dedicate those efforts towards this direction, as we have not

detection and quantification to guarantee a satisfactory detection.[4]

**Figure 13.** Schema describing the concepts involved in the design of safe polymer-metal

As a consequence, the prevention of NPs escape into the environment is currently most likely the best approach that can be considered. In this regard, a possible solution appeared

yet invented a so-called "Geiger counter" for NPs.
