Sustainable synthesis of Nanosilica from agricultural waste from sugarcane bagasse
List of Authors
  • Fuzieah Subari, Nadia Kamarrudin, Nor Hazelah Kasmuri, Siti Nur Amaliena Mohamad Jamali, Zalizawati Abdullah

Keyword
  • Green Synthesis, Nanosilica, SCBA, Sol Gel Method

Abstract
  • The global demand for top-quality agricultural products results in significant waste generation, posing environmental and food security threats if not properly handled or managed. Rather than allowing this agricultural waste to accumulate, there's potential to repurpose it into beneficial nanomaterials. This research focuses on the eco-friendly production of nanosilica derived from sugarcane bagasse ash, investigating its viability as a sustainable alternative in nanomaterial synthesis. Leveraging agricultural waste, such as sugarcane bagasse ash abundant in silica and renewable in nature, offers an opportunity for nanosilica extraction. The study aims to employ the Sol-Gel method to extract nanosilica and scrutinize its physiochemical characteristics—chemical composition, structure, surface attributes, and morphology—through FTIR, FESEM, and XRF analyses. The Sol-Gel method involves transforming a chemical solution (sol) into a gel, eventually solidifying it into glass or ceramic. This technique, which encompassed hydrolysis and condensation reactions, facilitated the creation of various materials, including nanomaterials. This study could be achieved by altering different elements. It involved the use of two acids—hydrochloric acid (HCl) and citric acid—for the leaching process. In the silica extraction stage, different quantities of bagasse ash and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were combined in a beaker at various ratios (1:6, 1:8, 1:10 and 1:12 w/v). XRF analysis shows significant reductions in impurity oxides like K₂O and CaO, crucial for improving SCBA's suitability in various applications. Citric acid proves particularly effective, yielding higher SiO₂ content and presenting an eco-friendly alternative to HCl in the leaching process. Characterization via FTIR and FESEM elucidates the composition and morphology of nanosilica. FTIR spectra reveal dominant Si-O-Si bond vibrations and hydroxyl group presence, influenced by varying ash-to-base ratios. FESEM imaging confirms spherical particle morphology with varying degrees of agglomeration, influenced by base-to-ash ratios, impacting surface area and reactivity.

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