Work

Ultrasonication-engineered urea nanomaterials: Chemical and morphological transformation toward enhanced fertilizer performance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Conventional urea fertilizers are highly susceptible to nitrogen losses through volatilization and leaching, resulting in low nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) and increased environmental impacts. Although nano urea has emerged as a promising alternative, comparative studies on ultrasonication-engineered nano urea systems and their integration with conventional fertilization strategies remain limited. In this study, urea nanopowder (UNS) and urea nanofluid (UNF) were synthesized via ultrasonication-assisted processing using a urea–trisodium citrate precursor system, followed by physicochemical characterization and agronomic evaluation in sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). Ultrasonication at 30 kHz and 200 W successfully produced nanoscale particles with average diameters of 9.4 nm for UNS and 7.3 nm for UNF. FTIR and FESEM–EDX analyses confirmed ultrasonication-induced modifications in molecular interactions, surface morphology, elemental distribution, and particle stabilization behavior. Field evaluation showed no significant differences in vegetative growth parameters (p > 0.05), whereas yield-related traits were significantly improved (p < 0.05). The hybrid formulation consisting of 60% UNS and 40% conventional urea (P6) achieved the highest productivity of 26.97 t ha⁻¹ , representing a 9.2% increase compared with the conventional urea treatment alone (24.71 t ha⁻¹) and a 30.7% increase relative to the 100% UNS treatment (20.64 t ha⁻¹). Similarly, the UNF-based hybrid treatment produced yields of up to 25.73 t ha⁻¹ . Nano urea application also enhanced chlorophyll content, leaf thickness, and nitrogen uptake efficiency. Notably, standalone UNF exhibited the highest NUE (90.95%), indicating more efficient initial nitrogen synchronization, whereas UNS provided a more sustained nitrogen release that promoted biomass accumulation and yield formation. The improved agronomic performance was attributed to enhanced surface interactions, controlled nutrient release, and reduced nitrogen loss. Furthermore, the hybrid nano urea strategy enabled a 60% reduction in conventional urea application without compromising productivity, highlighting its potential as a sustainable fertilization approach for enhancing NUE and supporting environmentally responsible crop production.

Source: Next Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.102517