dc.contributor.author |
Kioni, Paul Ndirangu |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Gao, Yan |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Tang, Zhiyong |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Gatebe, Erastus |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Wanyika, Harrison |
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2019-12-17T06:30:37Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2019-12-17T06:30:37Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2012-03 |
|
dc.identifier.citation |
TY - JOUR AU - Wanyika, Harrison AU - Gatebe, Erastus AU - Kioni, Paul AU - Tang, Zhiyong AU - Gao, Yan PY - 2012/03/01 SP - 2221 EP - 8 T1 - Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Carrier for Urea: Potential Applications in Agrochemical Delivery Systems VL - 12 DO - 10.1166/jnn.2012.5801 JO - Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology ER - |
en_US |
dc.identifier.issn |
1546-1955 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://repository.dkut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1004 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
Nanotechnology-based agrochemical delivery systems would ensure efficient and economical utilization of these very important agricultural inputs. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles with particle diameters of ∼150 nm and pore sizes of ∼2.5 nm were synthesized via liquid crystal templating mechanism. Urea, as a model agrochemical molecule, was entrapped in the mesopores of the siliceous material by simple immersion loading using aqueous urea solutions. About 15.5% (w/w) of urea was loaded inside the pores mainly by physisorption while the total adsorption capacity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles could reach up to 80% (w/w). Highly concentrated urea solution was found to be more effective due to high driving concentration gradient generated. Release process of the urea-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles in water and soil indicated a two stage sustained slow release-profile. The findings for soil release studies revealed at least fivefold improvement in the release period. By the ability to entrap urea guest molecules into its mesopores and release them in a controlled manner, mesoporous silica nanoparticles demonstrated its great potential as a nanocarrier for agrochemicals. |
en_US |
dc.language.iso |
en |
en_US |
dc.publisher |
American Scientific Publishers |
en_US |
dc.title |
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Carrier for Urea: Potential Applications in Agrochemical Delivery Systems |
en_US |
dc.type |
Article |
en_US |