Synthesis of silica nanoparticles from sugarcane bagasse fly ash

摘要

The sugar industry generates significant quantities of bagasse fly ash as a waste. Efforts were made to produce nanosilica from it as to convert it into resource. Silica nanoparticles (SiO2NP's) from renewable sources have various applications, such as in crop improvement, diagnostic and therapeutic bio-analysis, membranes for fuel cells, Li-ion batteries, adsorbents, catalysts and so on. There are different renewable precursors such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, bamboo, maize stalk, corn cob husk etc which can also be used for the purpose. This study investigated a method to produce Silica Nanoparticles from Sugarcane bagasse fly ash (SBFA) which is a Si- rich source. The structural properties of SiO2NP's were analysed by Scanning Electron Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction Analysisand Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. This economic technology, as applied to waste material may also provide many benefits to the local agro-industry and increased attention towards Silica Nanoparticles related research will help to realize the true potential of Silica Nanoparticles in agriculture and in other fields.