Abstract
In this work, carbon-based nanomaterials including; carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene were combined with biofertilisers and tested their impact on germination of Hordeum vulgare. The interaction between nanomaterials and biofertilisers was analysed. Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) images revealed that the surface of algal cells was covered with carbon nanomaterials including graphene and CNTs. Raman studies showed the characteristic band of graphene, CNTs and Algal cells. The combination of carbon nanomaterials with biofertilizers resulted in significantly better
growth than with nanomaterials individually. To prepare a more effective superfertiliser, zinc ferrites (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were added to the nanomaterials-biofertilisers combination. These zinc ferrites nanofertilisers had a size ranging from 8-12 nm and were
prepared by co-precipitation method and used at two different doses. The results showed that the growth parameters were increased most significantly with addition of 0.25 ml of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Increasing the dose caused a less increase in growth parameters. These
results indicated that increase in growth parameters was dose-dependent. These results demonstrated a great promise for novel formulation of superfertiliser that significantly enhanced plant growth without pollution or excessive use of harmful chemicals for better food security and environmental
sustainability.