Characterization of Nanosilica Based Biodynamic Manure BD501

Biodynamic 501 (BD501) is a processed cow horn silica that improves plant leaf photosynthesis, leaf pigment content, and fruit quality by foliar spraying. Herein, a mechanical approach was used to prepare the biodynamic nanosilica (BNS) from the BD501. To gain insight into BNS, its structure, chemical properties, composition, and stability were analyzed using various characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and zeta potential analysis. Furthermore, it was compared with green synthesized amorphous nanosilica from sugarcane leaf (plant-based nanosilica (PNS)). The synthesis of BNS is more feasible and requires much less quantity than the PNS. The FTIR spectrum and XRD results of the BNS confirm the presence of crystalline alpha (α) type. The crystalline and average particle sizes were approximately 37 nm and 135 nm, respectively. The FESEM images revealed that the BNS was a microflake with an irregular shape morphology. With these findings, future study aims to determine the effectiveness and improvement of crops by applying BNS and PNS.