Crystalline Copper Nanomaterials for Advanced Ceramic: A Comprehensive Review for Functional Ceramic Coating Approaches

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) are appealing candidates for advanced ceramic applications because of their remarkable physical, chemical, mechanical and antibacterial capabilities which have attracted much interest. This review provides an extensive analysis of the current state-of-the-art synthesis, characterization and utilization of crystalline Cu NPs for functional ceramic coatings. Emphasis is placed on the unique attributes of copper nanostructures, including their high ratio of surface to volume, tunable optical and electronic properties and remarkable thermal and electrical conductivity. The review delves into various synthetic strategies such as chemical reduction, thermal decomposition and biological synthesis in achieving proper control over shape, size and crystallinity. Furthermore, the integration of copper nanomaterials into ceramic matrices is critically examined, unveiling their role in enhancing mechanical strength, thermal stability and antimicrobial activity. Particular attention is given to developing multifunctional ceramic coatings tailored for applications in energy storage, catalysis, sensing and biomedical fields. The review also discusses challenges and future perspectives, including the scalability of production processes, environmental considerations and the development of hybrid nanocomposites for next-generation advanced ceramic materials.