Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Copper, Iron, and Manganese Borates Using a Chemical Coprecipitation Method and the Release Kinetics of These Elements in Water and Soil

Khosravi, Katayoun; Tajabadi Pour, Ahmad; Hamidpour, Mohsen; SABET, MOHAMMAD

doi:10.22059/ijswr.2025.391682.669898

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Copper, Iron, and Manganese Borates Using a Chemical Coprecipitation Method and the Release Kinetics of These Elements in Water and Soil

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Department of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran

² soil science department faculty of agriculture Vali-e-Asr university of Rafsanjan Iran

³ Department of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan. Iran

⁴ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of basic Sciences, Vali-e_Asr University of rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran

10.22059/ijswr.2025.391682.669898

Abstract

This study focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of nano copper borate, nano iron borate, and nano manganese borate using advanced chemical methods. Nano-fertilizers, by enabling the gradual and controlled release of boron, can improve nutrient uptake efficiency in plants and reduce environmental risks associated with conventional fertilizers. The structural characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and morphological techniques. The results confirmed successful synthesis, with crystallite sizes of 9.5 nm, 10.5 nm, and 12 nm for copper, iron, and manganese borates, respectively. Furthermore, boron release kinetics from these nanomaterials were evaluated in both aqueous and soil media. Data fitting to Elovich, pseudo-second order, and power function models revealed that the nanoformulations provided sustained and controlled boron release. Kinetic parametersi ncluding α and β (Elovich model), qe and k (pseudo-second-order model), and a (power function model). were calculated to quantify the release rate and capacity. Among the tested compounds, nano iron borate showed the highest release rate and efficiency. The Elovich and pseudo-second-order models exhibited the best fit to the experimental data. These findings suggest that nano borate fertilizers can enhance plant nutrient efficiency, reduce soil toxicity, and potentially improve plant metabolism, growth, and crop quality. This research highlights their promise as an effective tool for improving plant nutrition and advancing sustainable agriculture.

Keywords

Main Subjects

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

Objective

This study uses advanced chemical methods to synthesize and evaluate the properties of nano copper borate, nano iron borate, and nano manganese borate. Boron is recognized as an essential micronutrient for the growth and quality of agricultural products. The objective is to explore the potential of nano fertilizers in providing controlled and gradual release of boron to enhance plant uptake efficiency while minimizing environmental hazards associated with conventional chemical fertilizers.

Methodology

The synthesis of nano borate compounds was conducted through novel chemical processes, ensuring the precise formation of nanoparticles. The structural characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and morphological studies. XRD analysis confirmed the correct synthesis of nanoparticles of iron borate, copper borate, and manganese borate with crystallite sizes of 9.5, 10.5, and 12 nanometers, respectively. Additionally, the release kinetics of boron from these nano compounds were examined in aqueous and soil environments to assess their potential for controlled and sustained nutrient delivery.

Findings

The results from XRD and morphological studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with the desired crystallite sizes. The release kinetics study revealed that the nano compounds exhibited a controlled and gradual release of boron in both aqueous and soil media. This controlled release mechanism ensures a steady supply of boron, which can enhance plant nutrition efficiency and reduce soil toxicity. Moreover, the utilization of these nano fertilizers can improve plant metabolism, leading to better growth, development, and nutritional quality of agricultural products.

Conclusion

The study concludes that nano borate fertilizers hold significant promise as an effective method for improving plant nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The controlled release properties of the synthesized nano borate compounds can lead to enhanced nutrient uptake by plants, reduced environmental impact, and improved soil health. The findings suggest that these nano fertilizers can play a crucial role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices by offering a reliable and efficient means of delivering essential micronutrients to crops. This research highlights the potential of nanoborate fertilizers in contributing to agricultural sustainability and presents a viable alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers.

This comprehensive evaluation of nano copper borate, nano iron borate, and nano manganese borate underscores their potential benefits in agricultural applications. Future studies are recommended to further explore the field application of these nano fertilizers, assess their long-term impact on soil health, and investigate their effectiveness across different crop varieties and environmental conditions. The integration of nanotechnology in fertilizer development presents an innovative approach to addressing the challenges of modern agriculture, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed equally to all stages of the research and manuscript preparation. Conceptualization, methodology, investigation, data curation, formal analysis, visualization, writing original draft, review, and editing were performed jointly by all authors. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Soil Science Department of Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan for providing laboratory facilities and technical support.

Ethical Considerations

The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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