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.