Carboxymethylcellulose-Anchored Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs): Synthesis, Characterization, and Application as Smart Fertilizers

In recent years, selenium nanoparticles have received great interest owing to their potential applications in several fields, such as medicine, optoelectronics, agriculture, and catalysis [1]. Recently, we reported the efficient biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles anchored on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) nanocolloids [2] [3]. Herein, we present a simple and ecofriendly method for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using selenium dioxide (SeO₂) as a precursor, L-ascorbic acid (AA) as a reducing agent, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) as a biobased surfactant. Various synthesis parameters, i.e., the pH, AA equivalence (eqv.), and CMC weight, were optimized for the synthesis of the nanocolloids CMC@SeNPs. The optimum results were obtained using a 2,4 mmol/L solution of H₂SeO₃ at pH = 8 with 3 eqv. of AA and 222 mg of CMC. The as-prepared nanocolloids were characterized using various techniques, such as UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, zeta potential measurement, and FESEM-EDX. The results showed that SeNPs were successfully synthesized with a spherical shape and crystalline structure. Moreover, the as-synthesized CMC@SeNPs were studied to determine their suitability for use as smart fertilizers for agricultural applications.

References:

[1]: A. Hussain, M. N. Lakhan, A. Hanan, I. A. Soomro, M. Ahmed, F. Bibi, I. Zehra, Materials Today Sustainability, (2023), 23, 100420.

[2]: A. A. Mekkaoui, H. Orfi, K. Bejtka, M. Laayati, S. A Labyad, L. El Firdoussi, S. El Houssame, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, (2023), 30(34), 81619-81634.

[3]: H. Orfi, A. A. Mekkaoui, B. Sündü, M. Laayati, S. A Labyad, L. El Firdoussi, S. El Houssame, J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater, (2022), 32:2192–2208.