Synthesis of zinc hydroxide nitrate complex by a sol-gel method for use as foliar fertilizers – a scale up approach

Abstract

Zinc hydroxide nitrate complex is a new class of materials with outstanding characteristics promising its application as foliar nano-fertilizers. In this study, nano crystalline zinc hydroxide nitrate powder was synthesized by a sol – gel method using NaOH and Zn(NO3)2.6 H2O as precursors, yielding several grams products per batch. The products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM and BET, indicating the initial molar ratio NaOH : Zn(NO3)2.6H2O = 1.6 and reaction time 1 hour as suitable. Under the indicated conditions, the particle size of products is in the range 50÷100 nm. The characteristics of products demonstrate their potential application as foliar nano-fertilizer and the synthesis procedure might be further upgrading to production extents.