Nanourchin and hybrid nanourchin polymer composites for high-tech applications

Like sea urchin, nanourchin is a nanostructure having dense radial nanoarrays/nanospikes (∼few-100 nm diameter; length ≥50-100 nm) evolving from centers of hollow nanoassemblies. As per scientific discoveries, carbon and inorganic nanourchin nanostructures have been designed/explored for physical aspects and technical utilizations. Inorganic nanourchin (metal/metal oxide nanourchin) and hybrid nanourchin (metal nanourchin-graphene or metal nanourchin-carbon nanotube) nanostructures have been widely investigated, whereas carbon nanourchin is rarely studied. According to literature reports, numerous polymeric matrices (polyurethane, polystyrene, cellulose, polyaniline, polythiophene derivatives, etc.) have been processed with nanourchin nanoparticles using facile methods (in situ, solution, electrochemical, hydro/solvothermal, deposition). Due to unique surface/microstructural characteristics and structural/functional specifications, nanourchin’s role has been analyzed as a polymeric nanofiller to enhance mechanical, thermal, electron/charge conducting, microwave attenuation, biological, and allied methodical features of ensuing hybrids. Important technical applications of next generation polymer/nanourchin nanocomposites have been observed for radiation shielding, water purification, supercapacitors, bioimaging, and biosensing fields. Despite proven technical worth of nanourchin and hybrid nanourchin based nanocomposites, research up till now seems to be in embryonic stages (relative to numerous extensively explored inorganic/carbon nanoparticles as metal/metal oxides, metal organic frameworks (MOF), graphene, carbon nanotube, etc.). Therefore, this review article stresses the indispensable need for future research on next generation nanourchin hybrids.