PRODUCTION OF SILICON NANOPARTICLES FROM SELECTED AGROWASTES FOR SOLAR APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria is currently grossly inadequate. However, the solar energy potential of Nigeria encourages investment in photovoltaics (PV) technology of which silicon is an initial material. Some agricultural wastes have been utilized for silicon production through a simple method. The aim of this research is to develop an alternative utilization for some agricultural wastes as potential sources of silicon that could be deployed for PV cells. In this study, cassava periderm, maize stalk and cob were utilized as novel sources of silicon nanoparticles. Silica nanoparticles were produced using modified sol-gel method and was thereafter reduced using magnesium to synthesize silicon nanoparticles. The products were characterized using X-ray diffractometer, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that silicon nanoparticles with particle sizes less than and purity of 33.98 nm and 98.89 %, 31.20 nm and 99.89 % and 32.88 nm and 99.95 % for cassava periderm, maize stalk and maize cob, respectively were successfully produced.