Vaterite CaCO ₃ -Ag hybrid microspheres: an overview of synthesis techniques and applications

Loading silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto vaterite CaCO3 has been proposed as a promising strategy for achieving sustained release of Ag+, enhancing the oligodynamic effect, and enabling a wide range of applications in biomedical, active packaging, catalysis, and antimicrobial coatings. However, a review manuscript focusing on the synthesis methods of CaCO3 as a delivery vehicle for AgNPs is lacking. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of preparation techniques for vaterite CaCO3-Ag hybrid microspheres and to examine their benefits for advancing industrial applications. Various techniques, including in-situ precipitation, adsorption, the silver mirror reaction, and ultrasonic spray-pyrolysis, are covered and compared.