Valorisation of agricultural waste and their role in green synthesis of value-added nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology works at the interface of science and technology by providing innovative solutions through different nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanospheres, nanorods, nanocomposites, etc. Instead of traditional approaches available to synthesise these valuable products, green synthesis is attracting the interest of researchers with its environmental value. Agricultural waste is a by-product of agricultural production and various agriproducts processing industries. This waste is generally discarded and not disposed of causing major environmental pollution, an issue of concern. However, agricultural waste is a rich source of various phytochemicals and can be efficiently utilised to synthesise various value-added nanoparticles. This paper provides a detailed review of the innovative use of various agricultural wastes in the bio-synthesis of metal-based nanoparticles with potential applications in various sectors. The mechanism for the formation of zerovalent metal and metal oxide nanoparticles has been explored on the basis of the redox potential of the metal ion and the phytochemicals. The potential applications of these nanoparticles have also been explored in terms of antimicrobial potential, catalytic, and biomedical applications. Thus, the study strengthens the importance of various agri-wastes and their beneficiary role for the value-added resource recovery.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Agricultural waste
• green synthesis
• nanoparticles
• catalysis
• water remediation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rajat Sharma

Rajat Sharma is a Research Scholar in Department of Chemistry, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, India. His area of interest is synthesis, characterization and applications of green synthesized nanoparticles.

Suman Lata

Suman Lata is working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Chemistry, Rayat Bahra University, MOhali, India. Her area of interest is applications of green inspired nanomaterials.

Rajni Garg

Rajni Garg is working is an Associate Professor in Department of Applied Science and Humanities, Greater Noida, India. Her area of interest is waste valorization to obtain value-added nanomaterials with potential applications in environmental remediation.