An Insight of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs): Green Synthesis, Characteristics and Agricultural Applications

Introduction

In the current era, Nanotechnology is one of the most important emerging fields of science and technology. Its multifaceted applications can revolutionize the scientific world ¹. This technology has huge applications in various sectors like optics, electronics, biomedical science, agriculture, and some sectors of material sciences.

Nanotechnology deals with the fundamental and applied studies of nanostructures/ nanoparticles, i.e. their synthesis, characterization, and applications in various sectors. The nanoparticles (NPs) are the atomic or molecular aggregates of basic elements usually having a size of not more than 100 nm. These NPs are derived forms of basic elements made by modifying them² and now have altered atomic and/or molecular properties³. The significantly unique properties of each NP invented so far, have motivated many scientists working in this developing field of nanoscience. So far, several metal oxide NPs have been produced having significant applications in various sectors (Fig. 1). In their efforts, few scientists has studied how fertilizers prepared from NPs behave in the field and also compared with other studies and recommended the use of nano-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture⁴. In a similar review report, overviewed the current status, challenges, and opportunities of NPs in agriculture to prepare nano-pesticides, nano-fertilizers, and detection of some plant diseases and agrochemicals in soil and plants⁵. Biogenic nanostructures have tremendous scope in improving the agricultural sector⁶. Some scientists are opining that NP-based smart fertilizers are very useful for sustainable agriculture with higher production^7-8. Therefore, its fact proving that the metal NPs have immense applications in the agricultural sector and are useful for achieving goals of higher production and sustainable agricultural development ⁹ (Fig. 2).

Among several newly synthesized NPs, ZnO is considered as the most important ones in its nanostructure and applications¹⁰.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have a wide range of applications due to their unique physical and chemical properties. They are being used in biomedical applications¹¹⁸, environmental applications, and industrial applications including applications in agriculture.

The present article is focused on various aspects of ZnO NPs including their green biosynthesis, characterization, properties, and applications in the agricultural sector.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)

ZnO, or zinc oxide, is an inorganic substance. The main look...