Synthesis of coconut shell nanoparticles via a top down approach: Assessment of milling duration on the particle sizes and morphologies of coconut shell nanoparticles
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Date
2015
Authors
Bello, S.A.
Agunsoye, J.O.
Hassan, S.B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Materials Letters
Abstract
Coconut shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) were synthesised from coconut shell powders using a top down
approach. Effects of milling time on the particle morphologies and sizes of CSNPs were studied. CS
powders were milled for a maximum of 70 h using ceramic balls and a planetary mill. Milled samples
taken at 16, 46 and 70 h were analysed using scanning electron microscope with attached energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer and UV–vis spectrophotometer. SEM micrographs revealed a difference in morphologies and appearances of the CSNPs. Particle size determination depicted a
decrease in CSNPs' sizes with an increment in milling duration. The CSNP size determination from SEM
aided with software and XRD aided with Scherrer's equation agrees with each other. This implies that the
SEM observed CSNP sizes are in line with XRD crystalline sizes. The decrease in particles' Co Kα X-ray
absorbance with increment in milling duration is an indication of reduction in CSNPs' opaqueness. This
agrees with fading of brownish colour of CS powders as the milling duration increased. The smaller the
wavelength at which maximum absorbance of the Co Kα X-ray occurred the smaller the CSNPs' sizes.
Hence, an increase in surface area as the CSNPs' sizes decreased during milling led to particle agglomeration and formation of new compounds.
Description
Keywords
Synthesis Compounds Cobalt X-ray Milling duration Nanofillers
Citation
Bello, S.A. Agunsoye, J.O. Hassan, S.B. (2015). Synthesis of coconut shell nanoparticles via a top down approach: Assessment of milling duration on the particle sizes and morphologies of coconut shell nanoparticles. Materials Letters; 159: 514–519