Synthesis, characterization, and ex-vitro effects of erbium oxide nanoparticles on Solanum lycopersicum

With the global population steadily increasing, the imperative to improve food production has become one of the greatest challenges of our times. In the pursuit of sustainable and innovative solutions, agricultural nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier. For this reason, this thesis is concerned with the synthesis of erbium oxide nanoparticles (Er2O3 NPs), their characterization, and the evaluation of their ex-vitro effects on tomato plants (Solanum ly- copersicum) under drought conditions. The findings underscore the importance of integrating innovative technologies into agricultural practices, offering a pathway towards resilient and resource-efficient food production systems in the face of mounting challenges. The charac- terization of Er2O3 NPs, performed using different spectroscopic and crystallographic tech- niques, will set the stage for the exploration of their biocompatibility with beneficial soil microorganisms, and their possible application in nanofertilization.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1681-2885