Extraction and Synthesis of Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) from Sugarcane Bagasse Ash: A Mini-Review

Abstract

This current study reviews the utilization of the traditional extraction methods and latest findings in extraction of silica from agricultural wastes, in particular, sugarcane bagasse, using inorganic acids to produce nano-silicon. The three key processes discussed in detail include electrochemical, ball milling, and sol–gel processes. The sugarcane bagasse has been identified as the cheapest source of producing silica from the potential raw material for the preparation of nano-silicon. The acid-base extraction and precipitation methodology involves the use of bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), and acids such as hydrofluoric acid (HF), sulphuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), and hydrochloric acid (HCl) for the treatment of the ash. Sugarcane bagasse has notably emerged as an excellent and sustainable source of both tailored silica particles and bioenergy production. The ability to manipulate the engineered silica particles at the nano-level from sugarcane bagasse-based silica is explained in detail. Silica is a significant raw material with various industrial applications, with much research underway to extract it efficiently from industrial agro-waste, such as sugarcane bagasse. The production of highly pure silicon nanoparticles from sugarcane bagasse ash will serve as an important synthetic route in lowering the manufacturing costs and providing a low-cost polycrystalline silicon semiconductor for niche application in thin film solar technology.