Template-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of manganese zinc ferrite as a nanofertilizer for squash plant (Cucurbita pepo L)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03596
• Publication Date: 2020-03-21T07:16:26Z
• Authors: Ahmed Shebl; A.A. Hassan; Dina M. Salama; Mahmoud E. Abd El...; Mohamed S.A. Abd ...
• Keywords: Cucurbita pepo; Zinc ferrite; Squash

Manganese, zinc, and iron are the most essential micronutrients required for plant growth applied as foliar fertilizers. Herein, a simple template-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal green synthesis technique was adapted to produce manganese zinc ferrite nanoparticles (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs) at different temperatures (100, 120, 140, 160 180 °C). The prepared nanomaterials were employed concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 ppm) nanofertilizers during squash (Cucurbita pepo L) planting process. X-ray diffraction patterns of confirmed successful production nanoferrite material. showed type IV adsorption isotherm characteristic mesoporous materials. FE-SEM HR-TEM imaging that cubic shaped increased in particle size with increase microwave temperature production. impact application synthesized on vegetative growth, proximate analysis, minerals content yield investigated two consecutive seasons. °C growing plants concentration 10 ppm gave highest % (49.3 52.9%) compared untreated seasons, whereas maximum organic matter (73.0 72.5%) total energy (260 258.3 kcal/g) leaves obtained treated °C. On other hand, (76.6 76.3%) (253.6 250.3 fruits attained supplied by 20 These results indicate yields appropriate use fertilizer Cucurbita L.