Nanoparticle synthesis to green informatics frameworks

Nanotechnology research momentum suggests that informatics approaches are tractable in the era of big data. However, there is still much to convey to researchers interested in harnessing the power of big data and informatics for promoting sustainable nanotechnology. This review focuses on efforts that automate metric calculations, the analysis of synthesis data, and informatics approaches to the assessment of nanomaterials. Perspective on current interlinked informatics and decision making systems is not covered but state of the field of mixed life cycle risk assessment is presented. Therefore, readers are presented with linkages that frame green nanomaterial synthesis in the context of holistic sustainability assessment. Beneficial outcomes of applying informatics approaches include more timely design or safety evaluation, insight to bridge chemistry-engineering scale-up and process optimization. In addition to the need for more data and data sharing, there is a need for deeper case studies and cross comparison of design approaches.