Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications in Agriculture

Zinc (Zn) is a mineral that plays a vital role in the growth and development processes of different plants. Although it is required in small quantities, its presence is essential in a crop. In recent years, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have garnered significant interest in agriculture due to their unique physical and chemical properties. As a result, they can be used as alternative fertilizers to help crops experiencing mineral deficiency, stress, or fungal problems. These nanomaterials can be obtained through various synthesis methods, including sol–gel, chemical precipitation, microemulsion, and green synthesis, among others. This enables managing their size, shape, and internal arrangement, establishing their ultimate characteristics and feasible uses. In this review, we will present some of the most commonly used synthesis methods for obtaining ZnO NPs, the frequently used characterization techniques, as well as some of the positive and toxic effects caused by their application in crops.