Synthesis of Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles, its Characterization, Effect on Soil pH and Kinetic Evaluation in Acidic Solution

Synthesis of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs), its characterization and kinetic evaluation with phosphite ion and soil sample in acidic solution was evaluated. CaO NPs was synthesized by thermal decomposition method at 850 0C for 6 hours using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as the raw material. The CaO nanoparticle was characterized by the use of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The sharp peak of CaO NPs was found to be between 17.98o and 71.7o with average crystallized particle sizes of 27.43 and#177; 0.1. The morphology was found to be a flower shape with agglomeration. The pace of the reaction was explored under specific concentration of hydrogen ion [H+], ionic strenght (I), and λmax of 460 nm using spectrophotometric method. The stoichiometry of the reaction gave a mole ratio of 2:3 for PO33- to CaO NPs. The reaction is 1st - order in favour of CaO and 1st – order in favour of PO33-. Alteration of acid content decreased the pace of reaction. Addition of CaO NPs on the soil sample changed the pH from acidic to alkaline values ranging from 6.67 – 7.81. The administration of CaO NPs on acidic compound like soil will therefore improve the soil pH thereby boost the fertility of the soil. The experimental data showed that the reaction advanced via outer-sphere process.