Production of Silica from ABU Zaria Dam Sand as an Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor Using Nanotechnology

• Abdulkareem BELLO

  Author

• Yusuf O. ADEIZA

  Author

• Saleh S. LUKMAN

  Author

• Muhammad A. ADAMU

  Author

• Chibuzor A. OKAFOR

  Author

• Abdulaziz A. ABDULSALAM

  Author

This research is centered on the production and characterization of silica synthesized from sand collected from the ABU Zaria Dam, assessing its suitability as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor, using nanotechnology principles. The sand samples available in abundance were collected, processed and analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) which revealed irregularly shaped grains surrounded by fine agglomerated particles. EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) was used to confirmed silica as the dominant constituent, with silicon accounting for 53.52 wt%. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified sol–gel technique involving alkaline extraction, gel precipitation, washing, and calcinations to produce purified nanoscale silica particles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed characteristic Si–O asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations, alongside O–H and C=O functional groups, indicating the presence of silicate structures and surface hydroxyl species. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results showed sharp crystalline quartz peaks together with a broad hump between 20–35°, confirming the coexistence of both crystalline and amorphous silica. The average crystallite size calculated using the Scherrer equation was 20.15 ± 3.96 nm, confirming the nanoscale nature of the prepared silica. The combination of nanosized particles, functional groups with high adsorption potential, and significant silica purity suggests that silica sourced from the ABU Zaria dam has strong potential as a sustainable and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor which makes it a viable alternative to conventional toxic corrosion-inhibiting chemicals used in industrial systems. Moreover, the adaption of this material as a corrosion inhibitor will definitely increase the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP and comply with the Federal Government 9^th millennium development goals, scalable and affordable to the common citizens.

• FJET_21_81_81

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