Scopus Indexed Publications

Paper Details


Title
Annealing-induced optimization of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles for improved nanopriming in sustainable agriculture

Author
Md. Shadman Mostafa,

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Abstract

Being a very simple and cost-effective way to improve crop growth, nanopriming has been widely adopted as an efficient and advanced technology in agriculture. In recent years, there has been a drive to use green synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) for nanopriming, which promotes an eco-friendly approach to material synthesis. Among various factors that influence the properties of NPs, annealing plays a critical role in altering their structural and functional characteristics. However, the role of annealing in optimizing green-synthesized NPs for effective nanopriming remains largely unexplored. Here, we present the first report on the effect of annealing on green-synthesized ZnO NPs for effective nanopriming. We analyze surface morphology, crystallinity, elemental composition, and colloidal stability by varying the annealing temperature of as-synthesized ZnO NPs. We show that colloidally stable smaller NPs (annealed at 400 °C) exhibit optimal performance in nanopriming. This finding is supported by practical data showing a significant improvement in germination percentage (up to 61.7%) and shoot length (up to 85.3%) of Momordica charantia seeds treated with 120 mg L−1 of ZnO NP annealed at 400 °C. This study not only provides information on the specialized synthesis of ZnO NPs but also paves the way for sustainable agricultural practices to increase food production.


Keywords

Journal or Conference Name
Nanoscale Advances

Publication Year
2025

Indexing
scopus