Designing the future of connectivity: a systematic and bibliometric review of nanomaterial microstrip patch antennas in the context of the sustainable development goals

The need for small, energy-efficient, and ecologically friendly antenna technology has increased dramatically as wireless communication has advanced, especially in 5G and IoT. With a focus on their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, this work provides a thorough bibliometric and systematic assessment of nanomaterial-based microstrip patch antennas (MPAs). The research identifies the leading materials—graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metamaterials—known for their superior electrical, thermal, and miniaturization capabilities by using data from 342 peer-reviewed papers published between 2015 and 2025 in databases including Web of Science, and Scopus, IEEE Xplore. The most common contributors, according to the bibliometric study, are China, the United States, and India. Green electronics and sustainable 5G are among the major issues. Using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix to map research clusters and collaborations, the study shows how nanomaterial-enhanced MPAs match with SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action), among other goals. Despite encouraging technology developments, issues with material toxicity, economic effectiveness, and large-scale deployment still exist.