Dataset Information

In situ monitoring of mechanochemical synthesis of calcium urea phosphate fertilizer cocrystal reveals highly effective water-based autocatalysis† † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c9sc06224f

ABSTRACT: Using the mechanosynthesis of the calcium urea phosphate fertilizer cocrystal as a model, we provide a quantitative investigation of chemical autocatalysis in a mechanochemical reaction. The application of in situ Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction to monitor the reaction of urea phosphate and either calcium hydroxide or carbonate enabled the first quantitative and in situ study of a mechanochemical system in which one of the products of a chemical reaction (water) mediates the rate of transformation and underpins positive feedback kinetics. The herein observed autocatalysis by water generated in the reaction enables reaction acceleration at amounts that are up to 3 orders of magnitude smaller than in a typical liquid-assisted mechanochemical reaction. Using the mechanosynthesis of the fertilizer cocrystal calcium urea phosphate as a model, we provide a quantitative investigation of chemical autocatalysis in a mechanochemical reaction.

SUBMITTER: Julien P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8157455 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:At present, the quest for innovative and sustainable fertilization approaches aiming to improve agricultural productivity represents one of the major challenges for research. In this context, nanoparticle-based fertilizers can indeed offer an interesting alternative with respect to traditional bulk fertilizers. Several pieces of evidence have already addressed the effectiveness of amorphous calcium phosphate-based nanoparticles as carriers for macronutrients, such as nitrogen (N), demonstrating increase in crop productivity and improvement in quality. Nevertheless, despite N being a fundamental nutrient for crop growth and productivity, very little research has been carried out to understand the physiological and molecular mechanisms underpinning N-based fertilizers supplied to plants via nanocarriers. For these reasons, this study aimed to investigate the responses of Cucumis sativus L. to amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles doped with urea (U-ACP). Urea uptake dynamics at root level have been investigated by monitoring both the urea acquisition rates and the modulation of urea transporter CsDUR3, whereas growth parameters, the accumulation of N in both root and shoots, and the general ionomic profile of both tissues have been determined to assess the potentiality of U-ACP as innovative fertilizers. The slow release of urea from nanoparticles and/or their chemical composition contributed to the upregulation of the urea uptake system for a longer period (up to 24 h after treatment) as compared to plants treated with bulk urea. This prolonged activation was mirrored by a higher accumulation of N in nanoparticle-treated plants (approximately threefold increase in the shoot of NP-treated plants compared to controls), even when the concentration of urea conveyed through nanoparticles was halved. In addition, besides impacting N nutrition, U-ACP also enhanced Ca and P concentration in cucumber tissues, thus having possible effects on plant growth and yield, and on the nutritional value of agricultural products.

Dataset Information

In situ monitoring of mechanochemical synthesis of calcium urea phosphate fertilizer cocrystal reveals highly effective water-based autocatalysis† † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c9sc06224f

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure