From Waste to Wealth: Green Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse for Quantum Dots and Sustainable Biologically Active Paper

Paper ID : 1019-ISCH

Authors

Marwa Hamdy Suleiman * Helwan university

Abstract

Sustainability in science requires innovative solutions that reduce waste while creating valuable products. This work presents a green valorization pathway for sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural residue, by employing its aqueous extract as a natural reducing agent for the eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The process eliminates hazardous chemicals, minimizes waste, and embodies the principles of green chemistry. Importantly, the residual fibers obtained after extraction are not discarded but repurposed as raw material in paper production, exemplifying a circular economy approach that transforms waste into wealth. A modified synthesis method was further developed to obtain zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs) with smaller particle sizes and enhanced yield, while zinc scrap was also utilized as an alternative ZnO source. The synthesized materials were comprehensively characterized using XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis, TEM, SEM, EDX, fluorescence spectroscopy, BET, and TGA. The results confirmed the successful formation of high-purity ZnO nanostructures with desirable morphological and optical properties. When applied as pigments in paper coatings, the prepared ZnO-based materials significantly improved the mechanical, surface, and optical properties of the paper. Additionally, ZnO-QDs imparted strong antimicrobial and antifungal activity, highlighting their potential in sustainable packaging and hygienic paper products. This integrated approach demonstrates how agricultural residues and industrial scrap can be converted into high-value functional materials, advancing green chemistry and circular economy practices.

Keywords

Green synthesis, sustainability, sugarcane bagasse , paper industry, ZnO -QDS

Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation)