PeeRing into the mechanIsm of synthesis of Metal Oxides Nanoparticles using PLANTS

ongoing

"We propose to extend a recently discovered and novel route to the non-aqueous synthesis of Metal Oxide NanoParticles (MONPs; M: Zn, Ce, Zr) that uses as precursors (i) their nitrate salt and (ii) affordable plants, like the doum or beet root, some of their constituents such as glucose and sucrose and even simpler organic compounds such as glycerol and ethylene glycol (iii) which is carried out in a one pot synthesis with foaming at low temperature (< 110°C) in a few minutes compared to those reported that require a higher temperature, several steps and several hours (500°C, 8 h). We will take advantage of this study to model, on simple compounds, the mechanism of MONP synthesis involving plants described as ""green synthesis"" in the literature, which until now has not yet been properly rationalized. To this end, we have strategically assembled a panel of scientists from different fields ranging from physics and materials science to inorganic and organic chemistry, belonging to both academia and industry. We will extend our original discovery to a series of strategically selected organic compounds containing different functional groups to find those that behave as described above and eventually produce MONPs by foaming. Finally, we will apply our findings to the large-scale production of certain MONPs (M: Ce, Zr) through a partnership with ""Stûv"", a leading company specializing in the manufacture of domestic wood stoves, a sustainable resource for household heating. This should give this European industry a competitive advantage at the international level. MNOPs will be inserted into filters to destroy Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in smoke generated by household woodstoves. The economic impact should be significant because the emission of toxic fumes is a brake on the use of this mode of heating in Europe. This project is in line with and goes beyond the new European regulations (Ecodesign2022)."