Large-Scale Synthesis of Nanosilica from Silica Sand for Plant Stimulant Applications

Abstract

Nanosilica is a versatile nanomaterial suitable as, e.g., drug carriers in medicine, fillers in polymers, and fertilizer/pesticide carriers and potentially a bioavailable source of silicon in agriculture. The enhanced biological activity of nanosilica over quartz sand has been noted before; it is directly related to the altered physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles compared to those of the bulk material. Therefore, it is feasible to use nanosilica as a form of plant stimulant. Nanosilica synthesis is a relatively cheap routine process on the laboratory scale; however, it is not easily scalable. Largely for this reason, studies of nanosilica fertilizers are scarce. This study will focus on industrial-scale silica nanoparticle production and the application of nanosilica as a plant stimulant in maize. A variant of the sol–gel method is used to successfully synthesize nanosilica particles starting from silica sand. The resulting particles are in the size range of 16–37 nm with great purity. The potential of nanosilica as a plant stimulant is demonstrated with the increased quantity and quality of maize crops.

Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Highly-pure Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles from Locally Available Dunes Sand

“…The broad wide peak and the absence of any sharp diffraction peak confirm the amorphous nature of the extracted silica [ 21 ]. Moreover, the broad peak width reveals the nanometer-sized silica particle size [ 22 ].…”

Effectiveness of Bamboo Leaf Silica Applied with Nanosprayer and Growing Media on Yield of Red Beetroot (Beta vurgaris L.)

“…Bamboo leaf silica has the potential to increase the height of red beet plants, so the dose needs to be increased considering the importance of silica for plant growth. Silica fertilization can increase plant height growth, silica increases the efficiency of photosynthesis and nutrient absorption in the soil (Fitriani & Haryanti, 2016;Putri et al, 2017;Hoang et al, 2022). Providing 7.5 ml/L nano silica fertilizer increased the height of black rice plants by Putri et al, (2017).…”

“…Applications 2.5 ml/L nano silica fertilizer increases the height of tomato plants (Fitriani & Haryanti, 2016). Meanwhile, research results from Hoang et al, (2022) reported that spraying 6.7 mg/L nano silica fertilizer twice spraying could increase the height of corn plants. Fertilizing via leaves and roots as one of the agricultural intensification efforts is an effort that aims to increase the supply of nutrients needed by plants to increase production and quality of crops.…”

Current and emerging nanotechnology for sustainable development of agriculture: Implementation design strategy and application

“…Recently, the sol-gel methods have been reported potential for industrial-scale manufacturing of SiNPs from silica sands ( Fig. 4 B) [ 56 ]. The size range of SiNPs was obtained from 16 to 37 nm with high purity and their evaluation in maize plants showed a significant enhancement of plant growth in terms of blase height and plant height.…”

“…Reprinted from Ref. [ 56 ], Copyright 2022 ACS. (C) SiNPs stimulate the immunity of rice plants to resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.…”