Synthesis, Characterization and Agronomic Evaluation of ZnO Nanoparticles using Solution Combustion Method

Metal oxides, particularly zinc oxide (ZnO), have sparked widespread interest due to their unique properties. The current research focuses on the solution combustion method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), with zinc nitrate as oxidizing agent and ascorbic acid as precursor. The resulting ZnO NPs were analyzed for their crystal structure, particle size, morphology, elemental composition and thermal behaviour using various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis (PSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). Furthermore, the synthesized ZnO NPs were applied to assess their impact on the germination and growth of Vigna radiata (mung bean) seeds. Exposure of V. radiata to varying concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles revealed a concentration-dependent enhancement in plant growth, with the highest height of 29.5 cm observed in Pot-4 by day 20. These results suggest that moderate ZnO NPs applications may stimulate plant development, offering potential agronomic benefits under controlled conditions.