1Process Engineering Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Guelma, BP 401, Guelma24000, Algeria
10Scientific and Technical Research Center in Physicochemical Analysis, Tipaza42000, Algeria
2Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued39000, Algeria
3Laboratory of Industrial Analysis and Materials Engineering (LAGIM), University of Guelma, P.O. Box 401, Guelma24000, Algeria
4Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, El Oued39000, Algeria
5Laboratory Valorization and Technology of Saharan Resources (VTRS), University of El-Oued, P.O. Box 789, El-Oued39000, Algeria
6Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued39000, Algeria
7Laboratory of Thin Film Physics and Applications, University of Biskra, BP 145 RP, Biskra07000, Algeria
8Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of El Oued, P.O. Box 789, El Oued39000, Algeria
9Material Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, University of Biskra, 07000, Algeria
*Corresponding Author E-mail: bbachir39@gmail.com
Online Published on 12 October, 2023.
Disposal and burning of biomass-derived from relevant agricultural waste indiscriminately pollutes the environment and increases greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers have been exploring the “waste to wealth creation” policy due to the renewable nature and availability of agricultural wastes. In this study, agricultural wastes (groundnut shell (K), walnut shell (G), and wood carpentry waste (N)) were investigated for potential use in silica production. Initially, to obtain the ash, the samples were burned. The chemical method was then used to extract fine powder silica in the nanoscopic range using a simple bottom-up approach. To confirm the results, the samples were examined by XRD, SEM with EDX, and FT-IR, which were used to analyze the extracted silica nanoparticles. The isolated silica nanoparticles have a unit size of 9 - 30 nm, according to microstructural examination. EDX verified the presence of SiO2 in the sample. FT-IR analysis also reveals the presence of siloxane group.
Biomass, Silica, Agricultural Wastes, Chemical Method, Nanoparticles
