Nanosilica from Rice Husk Synthesized by a Simple Heating Method and its Characterization

Abstract

Nanosilica from rice husk ash (RHA) has been synthesized by a simple heating method. The obtained nanosilica was characterized by several techniques such as x-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourirer transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA). The products had white color indicating that there were no impurities such as carbon or other elements. The XRD showed that the obtained nanosilica exhibited the pattern of amorphous silica material. FTIR spectra confirmed Si-O-Si and Si-O bonds in the obtained nanosilica. SEM images displayed the agglomeration of nanosilica particles with the average diameter of about 12 nm. STA showed that acid treatment was needed to remove carbon or mettalic ellements from nanosilica during the heating process. These results were important in supporting the utilization of rice husk to convert into other more valuable products with a simple method.