Synthesis of rice husk–based–mesoporous silica nanoparticles by facile calcination

Abstract The growing industrial demand for mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) necessitates the exploration of alternative raw materials due to the limited availability of traditional sources. Rice husk, an environmentally sustainable by-product, offers a cost-effective solution with reduced environmental impact. This study investigates the synthesis of MSNs from rice husk using the sol–gel method, focusing on the effect of calcination temperature on their physical and chemical properties. Characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of MSNs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified siloxane groups in all samples, indicating silicate materials. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed a spherical-like morphology with silica as the primary component. Transmission electron microscopy measured the average particle sizes of control, 400 °C calcined, and 600 °C calcined MSNs as 50.5 nm, 49.3 nm, and 53.1 nm, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of silica phases in all samples. Surface area analysis showed a significant decrease in surface area (653 m 2 g −1 –113 m 2 g −1 ) and pore volume (0.9 cm 3 g −1 –0.1 cm 3 g −1 ) with increasing calcination temperature, while pore size slightly increased from 2.6 nm to 2.7 nm. Calcination temperature influences the removal of CTAB surfactants, enhances silicate bond strength, and increases silicon purity, resulting in reduced surface area and pore volume without altering the basic morphology or crystal structure of the MSNs. The synthesized MSNs, with their large surface area and unique properties, demonstrate potential for diverse applications, including their use as nanocontainers for corrosion inhibitors.