A novel approach to preparation of nano-adsorbent from agricultural wastes (Saccharum officinarum leaves) and its environmental application.

Saccharum officinarum leaves (SL) assisted nano-silica (NS) were synthesized and used as adsorbent to remove Pb and Zn from aqueous solutions. The crystalline nature, functional group, and morphology structure of synthesized NS were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with EDS mapping, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface area and charge of the NS were also analyzed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and zeta potential analysis.