# Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Urea Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Enhancing Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Nitrogen Uptake by Paddy Plants

Authors: Norazlina Mohamad Yatim; Azizah Shaaban; Mohd Fairuz Dimin; Faridah Yusof; Jeefferie Abd Razak
Journal: Journal of Nanotechnology
 (2016)

---

## Abstract

Efficient use of urea fertilizer (UF) as important nitrogen (N) source in the world’s rice production has been a concern. Carbon-based materials developed to improve UF performance still represent a great challenge to be formulated for plant nutrition. Advanced N nanocarrier is developed based on functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) grafted with UF to produce urea-multiwall carbon nanotubes (UF-MWCNTs) for enhancing the nitrogen uptake (NU) and use efficiency (NUE). The grafted N can be absorbed and utilized by rice efficiently to overcome the N loss from soil-plant systems. The individual and interaction effect between the specified factors of f-MWCNTs amount (0.10–0.60 wt%) and functionalization reflux time (12–24 hrs) with the corresponding responses (NUE, NU) were structured via the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on five-level CCD. The UF-MWCNTs with optimized 0.5 wt% f-MWCNTs treated at 21 hrs reflux time achieve tremendous NUE up to 96% and NU at 1180 mg/pot. Significant model terms (p value < 0.05) for NUE and NU responses were confirmed by the ANOVA. Homogeneous dispersion of UF-MWCNTs was observed via FESEM and TEM. The chemical changes were monitored by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Hence, this UF-MWCNTs’ approach provides a promising strategy in enhancing plant nutrition for rice.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

Nitrogen (N) had a critical role in paddy growth and productivity, as it is required for the synthesis of many essential molecules including nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), amino acids, and proteins [1–3]. Referring to the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) in the Fertilizer Outlook for the years of 2013–2017, the global N demand was projected to grow into 107.5 million metric tons of N. This scenario shows the larger demand for N by the agricultural sector. Even though N based fertilizers were supplied directly to the crops in the form of liquid and pelletized, however increasing the NUE and NU was tremendously difficult as plants normally take up N in the form of nitrate or ammonium ions [4]. It was reported that between 50 and 70% of the nitrogenous fertilizer is lost through leaching and gas emission of ammonia and nitrogen oxides to the atmosphere [5]. These may contribute to unfavourable environmental impact and higher operational cost to farmers. Uncontrolled applications of UF create an adverse effect on aquatic life due to eutrophication which had caused an excessive algae growth. Therefore, high NUE and NU of fertilizer N are important characteristics to ensure enough and lower cost N source for efficient paddy growth.Recent development in carbon nanomaterials including MWCNTs as smart delivery system for efficient plant growth was widely explored due to their interface with plant organelles imparting new and enhanced function of this part. Earlier, research on smart delivery systems in agriculture was reported on the delivery of pesticides encapsulated in carbon NMs for UV-shielding [6] and assisted delivery of genetic material for crop improvement [7]. The potential applications of nanomaterials in the agricultural sector have been highlighted in the previous research conducted by Ghormade et al. [8] and Wilson et al. [9]. Nanomaterials had potential applications in assisting the control and slow release of fertilizer due to their unique properties of specific targets with multifunctional characteristics avoiding biological barriers for a high effect [10]. In fact, nanomaterials had been proven to be able to increase the agriculture yield by optimizing the nutrient management of the plants [11–16]. Nanomaterials delivery system is targeting the plant to take up nutrients efficiently and enhance the germination rate of plants by improving the intake of water as well as oxygen [17, 18]. Hence, leaching and losses of nutrients to unintended targets like soil are reduced.Owing to their special physicochemical properties, MWCNTs having transport properties [19] and unique ability as molecular delivery through plant cells wall [20], which stimulates crop growth, improve the soil environment and promote crop growth metabolism [21–23]. These scenarios made MWCNTs very promising for recent progress in the agricultural research activities and utilization. Research on the impact of carbon-based nanomaterials combined with fertilizer on plants was reported by Liu et al. [24]. They had found that the presence of nanomaterials has increased the yield and quality of winter wheat crop, indicating a significant saving effect on the utilization of nitrogenous type fertilizer. A study of the effects of carbon nanomaterials fertilizer on late rice by Yin-fei et al. [25] in the double rice season area at the south of China revealed that the use of carbon NMs fertilizer would increase the number of glume flowers per year, fertility, and the rice yield. Concurrently, the carbon nanomaterials fertilizer was observed to slow down the fertilizer release rate, hence reducing the amount of fertilizer utilization improving the NUE. These positive results agreed well with the role of carbon nanomaterials in fertilizer application for the enhancement of plant growth and yield. Hence, this encouraged further research to be undertaken in exploring the potential of nanomaterials to be integrated or embedded with fertilizer for the sake of agricultural field. This effort had improved the efficacy of nitrogenous based fertilizer especially in urea for paddy growth purposes.In this study, development of such enhanced UF combined with f-MWCNTs was systematically structured by the statistical design for an optimum operational condition determination. The empirical statistical technique utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the regression model and optimum operating condition as well as the interaction effects of design factors onto the desired responses studied [26–28]. This analysis approach is suitable for a multifactor experiment in determining the correlation effects between the factors of the most optimum processing condition. The objective of this work is to determine the effects of several design factors like f-MWCNTs wt% and functionalization reflux time on the performance of UF-MWCNTs in terms of their NUE, NU, and Total Dry Weight (TDW) using the CCD approach via RSM analysis byDesign Expert 9.0, Stat Ease, USA.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials

Chemical vapour deposition grown MWCNTs were purchased from a commercial source (stock: 214 Cahaya Tech (M) Private Ltd.). The MWCNTs were characterized by the company as follows: purity of 95%, outside diameter of 10–20 nm, inside diameter of 5–10 nm, and length ranging from 0.5μm to 1.0 μm. Analytical chemical grade (Merck) of nitric acid (HNO3) (69%) was used as received. Rice plants (code MR219) were collected from farmers at Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Malaysia. MR219 paddy variety was selected in this work, considering the variety’s common availability in the Malaysian local market and easy-growing nature. MR219 was derived between the MR137 and MR151 with maturation period of 105–111 days after sowing. This variety was released for the commercialization by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) on the year of 2001 [29].


### 2.2. Preparation of UF-MWCNTs Fertilizer

Typically, 1.50 mg of as-received MWCNTs was added to a 500-mL round bottom flask containing 450 mL of nitric acid for functionalization process. After being refluxed at 100°C for 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 h, the suspension was naturally cooled down to room temperature. The black solution known as f-MWCNTs was vacuum-filtered using a 3μm particle retention filter paper and washed with deionized water to remove excess HNO3 until it became neutral. The f-MWCNTs were dried in a vacuum oven at 105°C for at least 2 hrs. Various amounts (0.1–0.6 wt%) of f-MWCNTs were sonicated and then stirred together with urea for 6 hrs at 150 rpm to produce UF-MWCNTs. The samples were dried in oven at 70°C for at least 5 hours.


### 2.3. Plant Materials and Growth Conditions

The MR219 rice seeds were rinsed, thoroughly soaked for 24 hrs in water, and germinated in plastic containers. Seedlings were transferred into pots containing rice field soil of 0.2% N-content. After sowing, the UF-MWCNTs fertilizer was applied three times (at 14, 35, and 55 days) with a rate of 120 kgh
a
-
1. Ordinary fertilizers such as phosphorus (DAP) and potassium (muriate of potash) were applied once at a rate of 50 kgha
-
1.


### 2.4. Optimization by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

In order to determine the optimum level of design parameters for UF-MWCNTs fertilizer production, Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM was applied. The selected design parameters used are in accordance with the previous work reported by [30]. The weight % of f-MWCNTs and functionalization reflux time were assessed at five levels: −1.682, −1, 0, +1, and +1.682 as presented in Table 1. A total of 13 experiments (refer to Table 2) were conducted for the optimization of two chosen design factors. The responses were NUE, NU, and TDW with three replications for every set of trials.Table 1
Experimental codes and levels of independent variables for RSM optimization.
Variables
Units
Levels
−1.682
−1
0
+1
+1.682
MWCNTs,X
1
wt%
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.6
Functionalization reflux time,X
2
Hour
12
15
18
21
24Table 2
Experimental design matrix.
Run
Factor 1MWCNTs (wt%)
Factor 2Functionalizationreflux time (hour)
1
0.6
18.00
2
0.3
18.00
3
0.3
24.00
4
0.3
18.00
5
0.3
18.00
6
0.3
12.00
7
0.5
21.00
8
0.1
15.00
9
0.2
18.00
10
0.1
21.00
11
0.3
18.00
12
0.5
15.00
13
0.3
18.00


### 2.5. Statistical Analysis and Modelling

The experimental results were fitted into the second-order polynomial regression equation (refer to (1)) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted:(1)
Y
=
β
°
+
∑
i
β
i
X
i
+
∑
i
i
β
i
i
X
i
i
2
+
∑
i
j
β
i
j
X
i
X
j
,in which Y
i is the predicted response, X
i and X
j are independent variables, β
° is the offset term, β
i is the ith linear coefficient, β
i
i is the ith quadratic coefficient, and β
i
j is the i
jth interaction coefficient [31].The statistical software package,Design Expert 9 (Stat Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), was used for the regression analysis of the experimental data and also to plot the response surface graphs. The multiple coefficients of correlation R and the determination coefficient of correlation R
2 were calculated to evaluate the performance of the regression equation [32]. The fitted polynomial equation was then expressed in the form of three-dimensional (3D) surface plots, in order to illustrate the relationship between the responses and the experimental levels of each design factors tested in this study. The point optimization method was employed in order to optimize the level of each variable for maximum response. The optimum levels of the selected variables were obtained by analyzing the response surface plots [33].


### 2.6. Morphological Observation Using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM)

Samples were cut with Leica Ultracut UCT ultramicrotome into ultrathin sections of approximately 80 nm thick and then cooled using liquidN before being placed onto copper grid. Next, morphological studies were conducted by using Hitachi HT-7700 Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) was performed using model Hitachi SU8000 where point and mapping for elemental composition were also carried out using Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Analysis.


### 2.7. Chemical Characterization

Fourier transformed-IR (FT-IR) spectra were used to confirm the functional groups of f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs fertilizer, obtained on a Jasco FTIR-6100 with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) method. Each sample was scanned with resolution 4c
m
-
1 within the range 400–4000 c
m
-
1 to obtain the spectrum. Raman spectroscopy was carried out with excitation laser source 532 nm, UniRAM-3500, micro Raman Mapping chamber.


### 2.8. Plant Yield Analysis

Harvested plants were dried in an oven at 100°C for 24 hours, and individual weights were recorded as Total Dry Weight (TDW). Consequently, they were ground for totalN-content analysis. According to the Kjeldahl method [6], the content of N (w
N), in milligrams per gram, is calculated using the following formula:(2)
w
N
=
v
1
-
v
0
c
H
+
M
N
100
m
×
m
t
,where v
1 is the volume, in mL, of the sulfuric acid used in the titration of the sample, v
0 is the volume, in millilitres, of the sulfuric acid used in the titration of the blank test, c
H
+ is the concentration of H
+ in the sulfuric acid in moles per litre (e.g., if 0.01 mol/L sulfuric acid is used, c
H
+ = 0.02 mol/L), M
N is the molar mass of N, in grams per mole (14), m is the mass of test sample, and m
t is the dry residue, expressed as g/100 g on the basis of oven dried material according to the standard of the spatial material.Furthermore, NUE analysis was carried out in isotopic-aided fertilizer experiments, where UF-MWCNTs fertilizer labelled with15N urea isotope (5% atom, Isotec) is used and the amount of N fertilizer that a plant has taken up is determined. The plant samples for 15N were analyzed by using emission spectrometer detector (N
O
17), FAN (Fischer Analysen Instrumente), Germany. In this way N fertilizer uptake and use by paddy can be studied. Basically, 2% atom 15N urea was enough to be detected by the emission spectrometer. Fertilizer N utilization by crops and retention in the soil were calculated using 15N direct technique calculation as showed in [34](3)
%
N
dff
=
atom
%
N
exces
s
plant
15
atom
%
N
exces
s
fertilizer
15
×
100
N  uptake  by  plant
=
Dry  weigh
t
plant
×
%
N
100
Fertilizer  N  uptake  by  plant
=
N  uptake  by  plant
×
%
N
dff
plant
100
Fertilizer  N  utilization  by  plant
=
Fertilizer  N  uptake  by  plant
N  applied
×
100
,where N
dff is fraction of N in the plant derived from the 15N labelled fertilizer.


## 2.1. Materials

Chemical vapour deposition grown MWCNTs were purchased from a commercial source (stock: 214 Cahaya Tech (M) Private Ltd.). The MWCNTs were characterized by the company as follows: purity of 95%, outside diameter of 10–20 nm, inside diameter of 5–10 nm, and length ranging from 0.5μm to 1.0 μm. Analytical chemical grade (Merck) of nitric acid (HNO3) (69%) was used as received. Rice plants (code MR219) were collected from farmers at Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Malaysia. MR219 paddy variety was selected in this work, considering the variety’s common availability in the Malaysian local market and easy-growing nature. MR219 was derived between the MR137 and MR151 with maturation period of 105–111 days after sowing. This variety was released for the commercialization by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) on the year of 2001 [29].


## 2.2. Preparation of UF-MWCNTs Fertilizer

Typically, 1.50 mg of as-received MWCNTs was added to a 500-mL round bottom flask containing 450 mL of nitric acid for functionalization process. After being refluxed at 100°C for 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 h, the suspension was naturally cooled down to room temperature. The black solution known as f-MWCNTs was vacuum-filtered using a 3μm particle retention filter paper and washed with deionized water to remove excess HNO3 until it became neutral. The f-MWCNTs were dried in a vacuum oven at 105°C for at least 2 hrs. Various amounts (0.1–0.6 wt%) of f-MWCNTs were sonicated and then stirred together with urea for 6 hrs at 150 rpm to produce UF-MWCNTs. The samples were dried in oven at 70°C for at least 5 hours.


## 2.3. Plant Materials and Growth Conditions

The MR219 rice seeds were rinsed, thoroughly soaked for 24 hrs in water, and germinated in plastic containers. Seedlings were transferred into pots containing rice field soil of 0.2% N-content. After sowing, the UF-MWCNTs fertilizer was applied three times (at 14, 35, and 55 days) with a rate of 120 kgh
a
-
1. Ordinary fertilizers such as phosphorus (DAP) and potassium (muriate of potash) were applied once at a rate of 50 kgha
-
1.


## 2.4. Optimization by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

In order to determine the optimum level of design parameters for UF-MWCNTs fertilizer production, Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM was applied. The selected design parameters used are in accordance with the previous work reported by [30]. The weight % of f-MWCNTs and functionalization reflux time were assessed at five levels: −1.682, −1, 0, +1, and +1.682 as presented in Table 1. A total of 13 experiments (refer to Table 2) were conducted for the optimization of two chosen design factors. The responses were NUE, NU, and TDW with three replications for every set of trials.Table 1
Experimental codes and levels of independent variables for RSM optimization.
Variables
Units
Levels
−1.682
−1
0
+1
+1.682
MWCNTs,X
1
wt%
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.6
Functionalization reflux time,X
2
Hour
12
15
18
21
24Table 2
Experimental design matrix.
Run
Factor 1MWCNTs (wt%)
Factor 2Functionalizationreflux time (hour)
1
0.6
18.00
2
0.3
18.00
3
0.3
24.00
4
0.3
18.00
5
0.3
18.00
6
0.3
12.00
7
0.5
21.00
8
0.1
15.00
9
0.2
18.00
10
0.1
21.00
11
0.3
18.00
12
0.5
15.00
13
0.3
18.00


## 2.5. Statistical Analysis and Modelling

The experimental results were fitted into the second-order polynomial regression equation (refer to (1)) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted:(1)
Y
=
β
°
+
∑
i
β
i
X
i
+
∑
i
i
β
i
i
X
i
i
2
+
∑
i
j
β
i
j
X
i
X
j
,in which Y
i is the predicted response, X
i and X
j are independent variables, β
° is the offset term, β
i is the ith linear coefficient, β
i
i is the ith quadratic coefficient, and β
i
j is the i
jth interaction coefficient [31].The statistical software package,Design Expert 9 (Stat Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), was used for the regression analysis of the experimental data and also to plot the response surface graphs. The multiple coefficients of correlation R and the determination coefficient of correlation R
2 were calculated to evaluate the performance of the regression equation [32]. The fitted polynomial equation was then expressed in the form of three-dimensional (3D) surface plots, in order to illustrate the relationship between the responses and the experimental levels of each design factors tested in this study. The point optimization method was employed in order to optimize the level of each variable for maximum response. The optimum levels of the selected variables were obtained by analyzing the response surface plots [33].


## 2.6. Morphological Observation Using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM)

Samples were cut with Leica Ultracut UCT ultramicrotome into ultrathin sections of approximately 80 nm thick and then cooled using liquidN before being placed onto copper grid. Next, morphological studies were conducted by using Hitachi HT-7700 Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) was performed using model Hitachi SU8000 where point and mapping for elemental composition were also carried out using Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Analysis.


## 2.7. Chemical Characterization

Fourier transformed-IR (FT-IR) spectra were used to confirm the functional groups of f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs fertilizer, obtained on a Jasco FTIR-6100 with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) method. Each sample was scanned with resolution 4c
m
-
1 within the range 400–4000 c
m
-
1 to obtain the spectrum. Raman spectroscopy was carried out with excitation laser source 532 nm, UniRAM-3500, micro Raman Mapping chamber.


## 2.8. Plant Yield Analysis

Harvested plants were dried in an oven at 100°C for 24 hours, and individual weights were recorded as Total Dry Weight (TDW). Consequently, they were ground for totalN-content analysis. According to the Kjeldahl method [6], the content of N (w
N), in milligrams per gram, is calculated using the following formula:(2)
w
N
=
v
1
-
v
0
c
H
+
M
N
100
m
×
m
t
,where v
1 is the volume, in mL, of the sulfuric acid used in the titration of the sample, v
0 is the volume, in millilitres, of the sulfuric acid used in the titration of the blank test, c
H
+ is the concentration of H
+ in the sulfuric acid in moles per litre (e.g., if 0.01 mol/L sulfuric acid is used, c
H
+ = 0.02 mol/L), M
N is the molar mass of N, in grams per mole (14), m is the mass of test sample, and m
t is the dry residue, expressed as g/100 g on the basis of oven dried material according to the standard of the spatial material.Furthermore, NUE analysis was carried out in isotopic-aided fertilizer experiments, where UF-MWCNTs fertilizer labelled with15N urea isotope (5% atom, Isotec) is used and the amount of N fertilizer that a plant has taken up is determined. The plant samples for 15N were analyzed by using emission spectrometer detector (N
O
17), FAN (Fischer Analysen Instrumente), Germany. In this way N fertilizer uptake and use by paddy can be studied. Basically, 2% atom 15N urea was enough to be detected by the emission spectrometer. Fertilizer N utilization by crops and retention in the soil were calculated using 15N direct technique calculation as showed in [34](3)
%
N
dff
=
atom
%
N
exces
s
plant
15
atom
%
N
exces
s
fertilizer
15
×
100
N  uptake  by  plant
=
Dry  weigh
t
plant
×
%
N
100
Fertilizer  N  uptake  by  plant
=
N  uptake  by  plant
×
%
N
dff
plant
100
Fertilizer  N  utilization  by  plant
=
Fertilizer  N  uptake  by  plant
N  applied
×
100
,where N
dff is fraction of N in the plant derived from the 15N labelled fertilizer.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. The Morphological Observation of f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs Using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

The morphologies of f-MWCNTs and urea-MWCNTs (UF-MWCNTs) were shown in Figures1(a)–1(f). Prior to strong acid treatment, the f-MWCNTs exhibit the presence of many opened ends’ tube without significantly altering their sidewalls structure. Figure 1(a) had revealed that the morphology of f-MWCNTs up to 21 hrs oxidation period still retained their hollow nanotubes structure with proper alignment of multiwalls. Besides, the f-MWCNTs having relatively high concentration of COOH groups on the MWCNTs, which have been confirmed through FT-IR evaluation later, appeared to possess long tubes and separated into individual nanotubes. By careful examination, the nitric acid treatment limits functionalization process mostly to the opening of tube caps and formation of functional groups at the defect sites along the sidewalls as can be seen in Figures 1(b) and 1(c). However, it was also reported that the carboxylic functional groups that were detected at the open end and at the sidewall of MWCNTs were introducing the damage on the tube walls and shorten the tubes length [35]. Yet, as revealed in Figures 1(b) and 1(c), under less vigorous conditions of refluxing in nitric acid, shortening of the tubes might be minimized. Additionally, the presence of carboxyl groups and attachment of UF on f-MWCNTs lead to a reduction ofvan der Waals interactions among the tubes, which strongly facilitates the separation of nanotube bundles into individual tubes as can be seen clearly in Figures 1(a) and 1(d).Figure 1
TEM micrographs of (a–c) functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes and (d–f) urea grafted multiwall carbon nanotubes.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)Furthermore, the two-step functionalization of nanotubes through the oxidative introduction of carboxyl groups followed by the formation of amide or ester linkages through the interaction with UF does allow for a significant effect on the restructuring aligned MWCNTs. By comparison, Figure1(d) showed clearly rougher and nonaligned sidewalls with shorter MWCNTs after being grafted with UF. There are also more opened end tubes observed. Additionally, grafting the amide groups on the carboxyl groups at the f-MWCNTs surfaces does not change the hollow nanotubes structure.By examining carefully f-MWCNTs (Figures1(a)–1(c)) and UF-MWCNTs (Figures 1(d)–1(f)), there were differences in their open end tubes. Figures 1(e) and 1(f) reveal that the openings of f-MWCNTs after grafting with UF were not in uniform cutting and broader in area. This might be strongly the effect of grafting process which occured at the open end nanotubes where most carboxyl groups were available after nitric acid treatment. Though the size of inside and outside diameter of nanotubes does not show significant changes, the hollow structure of f-MWCNTs grafted with UF seems to be narrower due to unaligned sidewalls. These results could indicate that even grafting process as reaction of f-MWCNTs with UF further opening more nanotubes ends, modifying their sidewalls, and cutting the MWCNTs into shorter nanotubes, still retains their nanotubes structure to be explored as unique mobile properties for efficient N delivery.


### 3.2. Dispersion Observation of UF-MWCNTs Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM)

Figure2 illustrates FESEM micrographs of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer. Generally, as shown clearly in Figure 2(a), the morphology of UF shows much bigger particle range from 10 to 100 μm compared to f-MWCNTs (10–20 nm). Using higher magnification, their dispersion behaviour was illustrated in Figures 2(b) and 2(c). f-MWCNTs were found dispersed homogeneously on the surface of urea particles. This excellent biocompatibility is conveyed by hydrophilic properties possessed by f-MWCNTs affording a stable dispersion [36] in UF. This makes the UF surfaces become rougher and abundant with f-MWCNTs attached. However, addition of f-MWCNTs in a small quantity (0.1–0.6 wt%) results in their homogeneous dispersion performance shown only at certain urea particles. The f-MWCNTs are able to penetrate into the bigger particles of UF and chemically interact with them. Positively, this observation will be managed to expose the properties of UF-MWCNTs for agriculture application effectively.Figure 2
FESEM micrographs of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Additionally, using much higher magnification of FESEM, the individual tubular structures of f-MWCNTs were observed clearly in Figure2(d) instead of being agglomerated among each other. These findings were important to promote the ability of f-MWCNTs to be N molecular carrier in UF-MWCNTs fertilizer into the plant cell wall. This is in agreement with Liu et al. [20] that reported that nonbundled f-MWCNTs can penetrate plant cell wall with no apparent cell death observed. Also, aggregates MWCNTs that will retain exist in the soil and reveal toxicity properties were reported elsewhere [37–39]. They will clump together and cause cells apoptosis and increase of response oxidative stress (ROS) and when reaching living cells resulted in cell viability reduction and cell death even in low concentration [40]. Hence, this morphological observation is important to ensure that the f-MWCNTs are separated into individual tubes when interacting with UF. Furthermore, their ability to be mobile freely and carry N efficiently for plant nutrition can be utilized significantly.


### 3.3. Surface Functional Group Determination by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

FT-IR aims to study any spectral changes in position or shape that occurred after grafting f-MWCNTs with UF. Through careful examination on the FT-IR spectra of f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs illustrated in Figure3, it is strongly suggested that covalent bonds occurred between NH2 groups of UF and carboxyl groups of f-MWCNTs upon reactions between urea and f-MWCNTs. The spectra of f-MWCNTs mainly characterized by bands at 3300–2500 (O-H stretching vibration), 1700–1725 c
m
-
1 (C=O stretching vibration), and 1210–1320 c
m
-
1 (C-O stretching vibration) correspond to the vibration of the carboxylic acid groups [41]. In the IR spectra of UF-MWCNTs, the bands around 1640–1690 c
m
-
1, 1510–1600 c
m
-
1, 1376–1388 c
m
-
1, and 1120–1290 c
m
-
1 could be assigned to C=O stretching vibration, N-H bending, CH2 bending, and C-N stretching. These spectral characteristics are attributed to amide [41].Figure 3
FT-IR spectra of (a) f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs with (b) 0.5 wt% f-MWCNTs and (c) 0.1 wt% f-MWCNTs.Basically, the chemically inactive outer walls of MWCNTs will be activated through functionalization process on their sidewalls. Chemical functionalization is based on the production of covalent bond between the functional groups with the carbon of MWCNTs [42]. It can be performed at the end caps of nanotubes or at their sidewalls which may have many defects.Any changes in peak position or shape reveal a change has happened in the distribution of frequencies included in that particular vibration mode. By comparing the FT-IR spectra of f-MWCNTs with UF-MWCNTs, it could be seen that the transmission peak of O-H stretching vibration at 3018 in the IR spectrum of f-MWCNTs disappeared in the IR spectrum of both UF-MWCNTs at different amount, strongly indicating that the O-H groups in f-MWCNTs might be replaced with the amino groups in the UF during the functionalization process. Also, C=O (1739c
m
-
1) and C-O (1219 c
m
-
1) stretching vibration attributed to f-MWCNTs were observed to be replaced with new shape of transmission peak that appears, corresponding to N-H bending and C-N stretching vibration at 1519 and 1219 c
m
-
1, respectively, after grafting process with UF. Similar observation was reported by Gao et al. [43] that claimed that NH2 groups from UF can react with the carboxyl groups (COOH) on the surface of f-MWCNTs and produce amide groups. Thus, the results from the FT-IR spectra confirm that chemical functionalization has occurred between f-MWCNTs and UF instead of physical functionalization (noncovalent) only.


### 3.4. Raman Spectroscopy Analysis

Raman spectroscopy analysis is highly sensitive to the morphology structures of graphitic materials such as MWCNTs and aims to determine particular spectral changes induced by covalent functionalization. Figure4 depicts Raman analysis of f-MWCNTs in comparison to pristine MWCNTs. Three characteristic peaks concerned with MWCNTs were their D-band at 1333.33 c
m
-
1, G-band at 1572 c
m
-
1, and second-order harmonic G′-band at 2677.54 c
m
-
1 [44, 45]. Clearly, from Figure 4, the tangential G-band derived from the graphite-like in-plane mode [46] was still retained after functionalization at 21 hrs reflux time, revealing that the graphitic carbon structure with sp2 bonds of f-MWCNTs was preserved. Besides, the presence of irregularities in the structure is showed by lower D-band and G′-band compared to G-band observed in Figure 4 reflecting f-MWCNTs samples with high purification and low impurities. Basically, the Raman spectra of MWCNT are usually showing a very intense D-band and a significant broadening effect [47] which is similar to the spectra of chars and carbon blacks. Referring to Figure 4, it was observed that covalent functionalization of f-MWCNTs does not generally result in obvious changes in D-band-to-G-band intensity ratios (I
D/I
G). Similar observation was also reported elsewhere [48–50]. This reveals that functionalization process is resulting much in opening the end cap of multiwall nanotubes only rather than destructing the whole multiwall structure.Figure 4
Raman spectra of (a) 21 hrs f-MWCNTs in comparison to (b) MWCNTs.Figure5 shows the Raman spectra of UF-MWCNTs in comparison to conventional UF. Here the Raman spectra are collected over the 900–1700 c
m
-
1 spectral range, corresponding to fundamental modes associated with C-N molecular bonds [51, 52]. The most pronounced Raman feature in the spectrum subjected to UF is a strong sharp and narrow peak around ~1000 c
m
-
1 for both UF-MWCNTs and UF samples. This is the characterization Raman peak for highly crystalline structure of urea [53]. Urea bands centered at around ~1000 and ~1170 c
m
-
1 correspond to N-C-N stretching and NH2 rocking, respectively [54, 55]. These two important bands correlated with UF were maintained after grafting with 21 hrs f-MWCNTs revealing the success of grafting process in producing high performance UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.Figure 5
Raman spectra of (a) UF-MWCNTs in comparison to (b) UF.
(a)
(b)Significantly, the characteristic absorption peak for 21 hrs f-MWCNTs which is D-band at 1333.33c
m
-
1 was strongly attenuated with new peak observed at 1459 c
m
-
1 for UF-MWCNTs after urea was grafted to f-MWCNTs. Furthermore, the G-band at 1572 c
m
-
1 for f-MWCNTs was split into two peaks at 1542.5 and 1571.1 c
m
-
1 for UF-MWCNTs sample. This observation might be strongly correlated to grafting process of N from UF to f-MWCNTs that takes place at opened end tubes and significantly changes their graphitic structure.


### 3.5. Statistical Analysis of Responses Studied

The optimum conditions for fertilizer NU, NUE, and TDW of rice growth were determined by means of the Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM. The overall results are shown in Table3. For UF-MWCNTs fertilizer, the obtained responses were varied between 71 and 96%, 978 and 1363 mg/pot, and 152 and 237 g/pot for NUE, NU, and TDW, respectively. Several researchers have conducted studies on NUE attainments for rice plant under N fertilizer treatments [56–58]. Recently, Hashim et al. [56] reported that the NUE of MR219, Malaysian local rice variety, under standard UF treatment reached up to 50%. The remaining 50% of N from the applied fertilizer either remained in the soil or was lost to the environment. Similarly, low NUE by rice also were reported elsewhere [59, 60]. Accordingly, the NUE of UF for rice treatment is still relatively low and led to uncontrolled utilization in larger amount as to ensure efficient rice growth and high rice yield. Thus, apparently, application of UF-MWCNTs to rice plants enhances the NUE response significantly. Subsequently, the results of NUE, NU, and TDW as responses for rice treated with UF-MWCNTs structured by RSM with CCD were presented in Table 3, and their corresponding equations are listed in Table 4.Table 3
Results of CCD.
Run
Response 1NUE
Response 2NU
Response 3TDW
1
86.29
1182.12
236.95
2
86.16
1100.00
185.00
3
85.20
1344.75
181.41
4
85.00
1100.00
175.00
5
86.25
1181.60
182.22
6
83.85
1256.30
153.63
7
96.35
1363.55
170.52
8
71.38
977.84
152.11
9
86.50
1185.02
198.17
10
81.09
1134.47
200.95
11
86.67
1187.41
174.09
12
75.46
1087.31
161.93
13
90.00
1189.00
173.88Table 4
Final equations to predict the responses as a function of specified design factors (a
X
1 and b
X
2) in terms of coded and actual factors for parameters.
Responses
Coded factors
Actual factors
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) (Y
1)
Y
1
=
86.4
+
4.83
X
1
+
4.44
X
2
+
2.79
X
1
X
2
-
3.39
X
1
2
-
1.74
X
2
2
Y
1
=
7.23759
-
8.92803
X
1
+
7.06214
X
2
+
4.65833
X
1
X
2
-
84.64447
X
1
2
-
0.19386
X
2
2
Nitrogen uptake (Y
2)
Y
2
=
1181.23
+
81.47
X
1
+
50.81
X
2
+
29.90
X
1
X
2
-
58.94
X
1
2
+
28.56
X
2
2
Y
2
=
1918.97352
+
394.43873
X
1
-
112.27217
X
2
+
49.83750
X
1
X
2
-
1473.60719
X
1
2
+
3.17386
X
2
2
Total Dry Weight (TDW) (Y
3)
Y
3
=
175.20
+
1.68
X
1
+
9.42
X
2
-
10.06
X
1
X
2
+
15.25
X
1
2
-
3.83
X
2
2
Y
3
=
77.85286
+
81.47131
X
1
+
23.48060
X
2
-
16.77083
X
1
X
2
+
381.37462
X
1
2
-
0.42530
X
2
2
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.The analysis of variance for response surface quadratic model of NUE to test its adequacy was shown in Table5. The modelling equation, in terms of both coded and actual factors to represent the NUE (Y
1), was listed in Table 4 that was evaluated by the regression coefficients, F-values, p values, correlation coefficient (R), and the determination coefficient (R
2). The proposed model suggests that the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and the functionalization reflux time (X
2) had a significant effect on NUE response. The coefficient of determination value (R
2 = 0.8805) indicates that the response model can explain about 88% of the total variations. Additionally, the coefficient of adjusted determination value (Adj R
2 = 0.7952) was also high enough to indicate the significance of the selected model. The model F-value of 10.32 implies that the model is significant. It means that there is only about 0.40% chance that F-value this large could occur due to noise. p values less than 0.0500 indicate that the model terms are also significant. In this case the individual effects of X
1, X
2, X
1
2, and X
2
2 are significant model terms. However, insignificant p value was found for the interaction (X
1
X
2) between the design factors. Even an insignificant p value does not automatically specify that the particular research project has “failed to disprove the null hypothesis” [61], but here, in this case, conclusions should only be made after consideration of other significant factors and primary objectives of the study. Hence, the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and the functionalization reflux time (X
2) had a significant positive effect individually on NUE response by paddy. NUE response increased with increasing amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and the functionalization reflux time, while the interaction between X
1 and X
2 had a negative effect on NUE response.Table 5
Analysis of variance for NUE using CCD.
Source
Sum of squares
Degree of freedom
Mean square
F-value
p value
Model
462.90
5
92.58
10.32
0.0040
a
X
1
119.67
1
119.67
13.34
0.0082
b
X
2
236.74
1
236.74
26.39
0.0013
X
1
X
2
31.25
1
31.25
3.48
0.1042
X
1
2
52.66
1
52.66
5.87
0.0459
X
2
2
73.80
1
73.80
8.23
0.0241
Residual
62.80
7
8.97
Lack-of-Fit
62.80
3
20.93
Pure error
0.000
4
0.000
Cor total
525.70
12
R-Squared = 0.8805; Adj R-Squared = 0.7952; Pred R-Squared = −1.1297; Adeq Precision = 11.202.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.A negative “Pred R-Squared” implies that the overall mean is a better predictor of NUE than the current model. “Adeq Precision” which measures the signal-to-noise ratio was at about 11.202 indicating an adequate signal. A ratio greater than 4 is desirable. Hence, this model can be used to navigate the design space.Furthermore, the ANOVA for response surface quadratic model of NU to test its adequacy was presented in Table6. The modelling equations, in terms of both coded and actual factors to represent the NU (Y
2), were listed in Table 4. Similar to NUE, the proposed model suggests that the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and functionalization reflux time (X
2) had a significant effect on NU by paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs. Here, the coefficient of determination value (R
2 = 0.7872) indicates that the response model can explain about 79% of the total variations which is lower than NUE response. Additionally, the coefficient of adjusted determination value (Adj R
2 = 0.6352) was also high enough to indicate the significance of the model. The model F-value of 5.18 implies that the model is significant. There is only a 2.63% chance that F-value this large could occur due to noise. p value of 0.0263, which is less than 0.0500, implies that the model term is significant. In comparison with NUE, in this case X
1 and X
2 only are significant model terms. Individually, the increase in amount of f-MWCNTs and the functionalization reflux time positively increase the NU response by paddy, while the interaction between the “Lack-of-Fit F-value” of 27.63 implies that there is only 0.39% chance that a “Lack-of-Fit F-value” this large could occur due to noise. Again, a negative “Pred R-Squared” suggests that the overall mean is a better predictor of NU than the current suggested model. Furthermore, “Adeq Precision” of 8.519 indicates an adequate signal. Thus this model also can be used to navigate the design space.Table 6
Analysis of variance for N uptake using CCD.
Source
Sum of squares
Degree of freedom
Mean square
F-value
p value
Model
93968.46
5
18793.69
5.18
0.0263
a
X
1
34088.30
1
34088.30
9.39
0.0182
b
X
2
30984.95
1
30984.95
8.54
0.0223
X
1
X
2
3576.64
1
3576.64
0.99
0.3539
X
1
2
15960.55
1
15960.55
4.40
0.0742
X
2
2
19780.29
1
19780.29
5.45
0.0522
Residual
25401.24
7
3628.75
Lack-of-Fit
24231.77
3
8077.26
27.63
0.0039
Pure error
1169.47
4
292.37
Cor total
1.194
E
+
005
12
R-Squared = 0.7872; Adj R-Squared = 0.6352; Pred R-Squared = −2.1426; Adeq Precision = 8.519.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.Next, the ANOVA for response surface quadratic model of TDW to test its adequacy was shown in Table7. The modelling equations in terms of both coded and actual factors to represent the TDW (Y
3) were listed in Table 3. Contradicting with NUE and NU responses, the proposed model suggested that the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and functionalization reflux time (X
2) had not provided a significant effect on TDW of paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs. Here, the model shows that the coefficient of determination value (R
2 = 0.6003) indicates that the TDW response model only can explain about 60% of the total variations which is much lower than NUE and NU responses. Moreover, the coefficient of adjusted determination value (Adj R
2 = 0.3149) was also too low to indicate the significance of the model. It means that about 68.51% of total variation of the TDW response was not explained by the model. The model F-value of 2.10 implies that the model is not significantly relative to the noise factor. This result implies that there is a 17.99% chance that F-value this large could occur due to noise. p values of less than 0.0500 indicate that model terms are significant. However, in this case no significant model terms were detected. The “Lack-of-Fit F-value” of 7054.21 implies that there is only about 0.01% chance that a “Lack-of-Fit F-value” this large could occur due to noise. Thus TDW of paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs are considered insignificant model terms, which have limited influence on this optimization models for the development of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.Table 7
Analysis of variance for Total Dry Weight (TDW) using CCD.
Source
Sum of squares
Degree of freedom
Mean square
F-value
p value
Model
3606.26
5
721.25
2.10
0.1799
a
X
1
14.57
1
14.57
0.042
0.8426
b
X
2
1063.90
1
1063.90
3.10
0.1216
X
1
X
2
405.02
1
405.02
1.18
0.3132
X
1
2
1069.03
1
1069.03
3.12
0.1208
X
2
2
355.18
1
355.18
1.04
0.3427
Residual
2400.72
7
342.96
Lack-of-Fit
2400.27
3
800.09
7054.21
<0.0001
Pure error
0.45
4
0.11
Cor total
6006.98
12
R-Squared = 0.6003; Adj R-Squared = 0.3149; Pred R-Squared = −2.3503; Adeq Precision = 5.643.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.In order to further ensure that the selected model provides an adequate approximation of the real system, the normal probability plots of the studentized residuals and diagnostics are provided by theDesign Expert 9 software. The normal probability plots illustrated in Figure 6 demonstrate that the normal probability plots of the studentized residuals for two quadratic models which are significant model terms including NUE (Figure 6(a)) and NU (Figure 6(b)) by paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs. A normal probability plot indicates that if the residuals follow a normal distribution, the points will be scattered following a straight line for each of the responses [62]. Consequently, the data for both NUE and NU responses can be possibly reflected as normally distributed in the models.Figure 6
Design Expert plot. Normal probability plot of the standardized residual for NUE (a) and NU (b).
(a)
(b)


### 3.6. Treatment Efficiency Evaluation

The 3D response surface plots are useful in assessing both individual and interaction relationships between independent variables and the responses [63]. These plots were obtained by computations using theDesign Expert 9 software and were depicted in Figure 7. As shown by contour plots in Figures 7(a)–7(d), the maximum observed NUE and NU responses of UF-MWCNTs by rice were 96.35% and 1363.55 mg/pot, respectively, at 0.50 wt% amount of f-MWCNTs and 21 hrs of functionalization reflux time. The increment of UF-MWCNTs for NUE and NU is accredited to the increase in f-MWCNTs amount and functionalization reflux time until 0.5 wt% MWCNTs and 21-hour functionalization reflux time accordingly and results in decrease in value of NUE and NU responses of UF-MWCNTs at further increment. Hence, the increases of both f-MWCNTs amount and functionalization reflux time until optimum values are two main factors affecting the UF-MWCNTs NUE and NU responses by paddy. According to the optimization processusing Design Expert 9, the desired goals for each responses (NUE and NU) were chosen to be maximized to achieve the highest performance of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.Figure 7
3D response surface plot of NUE (a) and NU (c) coupled with contour plots of NUE (b) and NU (d) of paddy as a function of f-MWCNTs (%) and functionalization reflux time (hour).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Finally, the confirmation report from the design software based on the 95% confidence level presents the optimum design factors (MWCNTs % and functionalization reflux time) (Table8) and respective desired responses (NUE % and N uptake) (Table 9) for the development of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer. As shown in Table 8, the optimum value of f-MWCNTs and functionalization reflux time for maximum performance of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer were confirmed to be 0.50 wt% and 21 hrs, respectively. Additionally, referring to Table 8, 93.34 NUE %, 1313.04 mg/pot NU, and 187.67 g/pot TDW of paddy are predicted based on the model under optimized operational condition of design factors. The desirability function value was observed to be 0.684 for these optimum design factors.Table 8
Optimization results for design factors of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.
Factors
Name
Level
Low level
High level
a
X
1
f-MWCNTs
0.50
0.10
0.50
b
X
2
Functionalization reflux time
21.00
15.00
21.00
Confidence level = 95%.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.Table 9
Optimization results for maximum responses of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.
Responses
Pred mean
Std. dev.
SE Pred
95% PI low
95% PI high
Desirability
NUE
93.34
2.99529
3.73
84.52
102.15
0.684
NU
1313.04
60.2391
74.94
1135.83
1490.25
TDW
187.67
18.5192
23.04
133.19
242.15


## 3.1. The Morphological Observation of f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs Using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

The morphologies of f-MWCNTs and urea-MWCNTs (UF-MWCNTs) were shown in Figures1(a)–1(f). Prior to strong acid treatment, the f-MWCNTs exhibit the presence of many opened ends’ tube without significantly altering their sidewalls structure. Figure 1(a) had revealed that the morphology of f-MWCNTs up to 21 hrs oxidation period still retained their hollow nanotubes structure with proper alignment of multiwalls. Besides, the f-MWCNTs having relatively high concentration of COOH groups on the MWCNTs, which have been confirmed through FT-IR evaluation later, appeared to possess long tubes and separated into individual nanotubes. By careful examination, the nitric acid treatment limits functionalization process mostly to the opening of tube caps and formation of functional groups at the defect sites along the sidewalls as can be seen in Figures 1(b) and 1(c). However, it was also reported that the carboxylic functional groups that were detected at the open end and at the sidewall of MWCNTs were introducing the damage on the tube walls and shorten the tubes length [35]. Yet, as revealed in Figures 1(b) and 1(c), under less vigorous conditions of refluxing in nitric acid, shortening of the tubes might be minimized. Additionally, the presence of carboxyl groups and attachment of UF on f-MWCNTs lead to a reduction ofvan der Waals interactions among the tubes, which strongly facilitates the separation of nanotube bundles into individual tubes as can be seen clearly in Figures 1(a) and 1(d).Figure 1
TEM micrographs of (a–c) functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes and (d–f) urea grafted multiwall carbon nanotubes.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)Furthermore, the two-step functionalization of nanotubes through the oxidative introduction of carboxyl groups followed by the formation of amide or ester linkages through the interaction with UF does allow for a significant effect on the restructuring aligned MWCNTs. By comparison, Figure1(d) showed clearly rougher and nonaligned sidewalls with shorter MWCNTs after being grafted with UF. There are also more opened end tubes observed. Additionally, grafting the amide groups on the carboxyl groups at the f-MWCNTs surfaces does not change the hollow nanotubes structure.By examining carefully f-MWCNTs (Figures1(a)–1(c)) and UF-MWCNTs (Figures 1(d)–1(f)), there were differences in their open end tubes. Figures 1(e) and 1(f) reveal that the openings of f-MWCNTs after grafting with UF were not in uniform cutting and broader in area. This might be strongly the effect of grafting process which occured at the open end nanotubes where most carboxyl groups were available after nitric acid treatment. Though the size of inside and outside diameter of nanotubes does not show significant changes, the hollow structure of f-MWCNTs grafted with UF seems to be narrower due to unaligned sidewalls. These results could indicate that even grafting process as reaction of f-MWCNTs with UF further opening more nanotubes ends, modifying their sidewalls, and cutting the MWCNTs into shorter nanotubes, still retains their nanotubes structure to be explored as unique mobile properties for efficient N delivery.


## 3.2. Dispersion Observation of UF-MWCNTs Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM)

Figure2 illustrates FESEM micrographs of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer. Generally, as shown clearly in Figure 2(a), the morphology of UF shows much bigger particle range from 10 to 100 μm compared to f-MWCNTs (10–20 nm). Using higher magnification, their dispersion behaviour was illustrated in Figures 2(b) and 2(c). f-MWCNTs were found dispersed homogeneously on the surface of urea particles. This excellent biocompatibility is conveyed by hydrophilic properties possessed by f-MWCNTs affording a stable dispersion [36] in UF. This makes the UF surfaces become rougher and abundant with f-MWCNTs attached. However, addition of f-MWCNTs in a small quantity (0.1–0.6 wt%) results in their homogeneous dispersion performance shown only at certain urea particles. The f-MWCNTs are able to penetrate into the bigger particles of UF and chemically interact with them. Positively, this observation will be managed to expose the properties of UF-MWCNTs for agriculture application effectively.Figure 2
FESEM micrographs of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Additionally, using much higher magnification of FESEM, the individual tubular structures of f-MWCNTs were observed clearly in Figure2(d) instead of being agglomerated among each other. These findings were important to promote the ability of f-MWCNTs to be N molecular carrier in UF-MWCNTs fertilizer into the plant cell wall. This is in agreement with Liu et al. [20] that reported that nonbundled f-MWCNTs can penetrate plant cell wall with no apparent cell death observed. Also, aggregates MWCNTs that will retain exist in the soil and reveal toxicity properties were reported elsewhere [37–39]. They will clump together and cause cells apoptosis and increase of response oxidative stress (ROS) and when reaching living cells resulted in cell viability reduction and cell death even in low concentration [40]. Hence, this morphological observation is important to ensure that the f-MWCNTs are separated into individual tubes when interacting with UF. Furthermore, their ability to be mobile freely and carry N efficiently for plant nutrition can be utilized significantly.


## 3.3. Surface Functional Group Determination by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

FT-IR aims to study any spectral changes in position or shape that occurred after grafting f-MWCNTs with UF. Through careful examination on the FT-IR spectra of f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs illustrated in Figure3, it is strongly suggested that covalent bonds occurred between NH2 groups of UF and carboxyl groups of f-MWCNTs upon reactions between urea and f-MWCNTs. The spectra of f-MWCNTs mainly characterized by bands at 3300–2500 (O-H stretching vibration), 1700–1725 c
m
-
1 (C=O stretching vibration), and 1210–1320 c
m
-
1 (C-O stretching vibration) correspond to the vibration of the carboxylic acid groups [41]. In the IR spectra of UF-MWCNTs, the bands around 1640–1690 c
m
-
1, 1510–1600 c
m
-
1, 1376–1388 c
m
-
1, and 1120–1290 c
m
-
1 could be assigned to C=O stretching vibration, N-H bending, CH2 bending, and C-N stretching. These spectral characteristics are attributed to amide [41].Figure 3
FT-IR spectra of (a) f-MWCNTs and UF-MWCNTs with (b) 0.5 wt% f-MWCNTs and (c) 0.1 wt% f-MWCNTs.Basically, the chemically inactive outer walls of MWCNTs will be activated through functionalization process on their sidewalls. Chemical functionalization is based on the production of covalent bond between the functional groups with the carbon of MWCNTs [42]. It can be performed at the end caps of nanotubes or at their sidewalls which may have many defects.Any changes in peak position or shape reveal a change has happened in the distribution of frequencies included in that particular vibration mode. By comparing the FT-IR spectra of f-MWCNTs with UF-MWCNTs, it could be seen that the transmission peak of O-H stretching vibration at 3018 in the IR spectrum of f-MWCNTs disappeared in the IR spectrum of both UF-MWCNTs at different amount, strongly indicating that the O-H groups in f-MWCNTs might be replaced with the amino groups in the UF during the functionalization process. Also, C=O (1739c
m
-
1) and C-O (1219 c
m
-
1) stretching vibration attributed to f-MWCNTs were observed to be replaced with new shape of transmission peak that appears, corresponding to N-H bending and C-N stretching vibration at 1519 and 1219 c
m
-
1, respectively, after grafting process with UF. Similar observation was reported by Gao et al. [43] that claimed that NH2 groups from UF can react with the carboxyl groups (COOH) on the surface of f-MWCNTs and produce amide groups. Thus, the results from the FT-IR spectra confirm that chemical functionalization has occurred between f-MWCNTs and UF instead of physical functionalization (noncovalent) only.


## 3.4. Raman Spectroscopy Analysis

Raman spectroscopy analysis is highly sensitive to the morphology structures of graphitic materials such as MWCNTs and aims to determine particular spectral changes induced by covalent functionalization. Figure4 depicts Raman analysis of f-MWCNTs in comparison to pristine MWCNTs. Three characteristic peaks concerned with MWCNTs were their D-band at 1333.33 c
m
-
1, G-band at 1572 c
m
-
1, and second-order harmonic G′-band at 2677.54 c
m
-
1 [44, 45]. Clearly, from Figure 4, the tangential G-band derived from the graphite-like in-plane mode [46] was still retained after functionalization at 21 hrs reflux time, revealing that the graphitic carbon structure with sp2 bonds of f-MWCNTs was preserved. Besides, the presence of irregularities in the structure is showed by lower D-band and G′-band compared to G-band observed in Figure 4 reflecting f-MWCNTs samples with high purification and low impurities. Basically, the Raman spectra of MWCNT are usually showing a very intense D-band and a significant broadening effect [47] which is similar to the spectra of chars and carbon blacks. Referring to Figure 4, it was observed that covalent functionalization of f-MWCNTs does not generally result in obvious changes in D-band-to-G-band intensity ratios (I
D/I
G). Similar observation was also reported elsewhere [48–50]. This reveals that functionalization process is resulting much in opening the end cap of multiwall nanotubes only rather than destructing the whole multiwall structure.Figure 4
Raman spectra of (a) 21 hrs f-MWCNTs in comparison to (b) MWCNTs.Figure5 shows the Raman spectra of UF-MWCNTs in comparison to conventional UF. Here the Raman spectra are collected over the 900–1700 c
m
-
1 spectral range, corresponding to fundamental modes associated with C-N molecular bonds [51, 52]. The most pronounced Raman feature in the spectrum subjected to UF is a strong sharp and narrow peak around ~1000 c
m
-
1 for both UF-MWCNTs and UF samples. This is the characterization Raman peak for highly crystalline structure of urea [53]. Urea bands centered at around ~1000 and ~1170 c
m
-
1 correspond to N-C-N stretching and NH2 rocking, respectively [54, 55]. These two important bands correlated with UF were maintained after grafting with 21 hrs f-MWCNTs revealing the success of grafting process in producing high performance UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.Figure 5
Raman spectra of (a) UF-MWCNTs in comparison to (b) UF.
(a)
(b)Significantly, the characteristic absorption peak for 21 hrs f-MWCNTs which is D-band at 1333.33c
m
-
1 was strongly attenuated with new peak observed at 1459 c
m
-
1 for UF-MWCNTs after urea was grafted to f-MWCNTs. Furthermore, the G-band at 1572 c
m
-
1 for f-MWCNTs was split into two peaks at 1542.5 and 1571.1 c
m
-
1 for UF-MWCNTs sample. This observation might be strongly correlated to grafting process of N from UF to f-MWCNTs that takes place at opened end tubes and significantly changes their graphitic structure.


## 3.5. Statistical Analysis of Responses Studied

The optimum conditions for fertilizer NU, NUE, and TDW of rice growth were determined by means of the Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM. The overall results are shown in Table3. For UF-MWCNTs fertilizer, the obtained responses were varied between 71 and 96%, 978 and 1363 mg/pot, and 152 and 237 g/pot for NUE, NU, and TDW, respectively. Several researchers have conducted studies on NUE attainments for rice plant under N fertilizer treatments [56–58]. Recently, Hashim et al. [56] reported that the NUE of MR219, Malaysian local rice variety, under standard UF treatment reached up to 50%. The remaining 50% of N from the applied fertilizer either remained in the soil or was lost to the environment. Similarly, low NUE by rice also were reported elsewhere [59, 60]. Accordingly, the NUE of UF for rice treatment is still relatively low and led to uncontrolled utilization in larger amount as to ensure efficient rice growth and high rice yield. Thus, apparently, application of UF-MWCNTs to rice plants enhances the NUE response significantly. Subsequently, the results of NUE, NU, and TDW as responses for rice treated with UF-MWCNTs structured by RSM with CCD were presented in Table 3, and their corresponding equations are listed in Table 4.Table 3
Results of CCD.
Run
Response 1NUE
Response 2NU
Response 3TDW
1
86.29
1182.12
236.95
2
86.16
1100.00
185.00
3
85.20
1344.75
181.41
4
85.00
1100.00
175.00
5
86.25
1181.60
182.22
6
83.85
1256.30
153.63
7
96.35
1363.55
170.52
8
71.38
977.84
152.11
9
86.50
1185.02
198.17
10
81.09
1134.47
200.95
11
86.67
1187.41
174.09
12
75.46
1087.31
161.93
13
90.00
1189.00
173.88Table 4
Final equations to predict the responses as a function of specified design factors (a
X
1 and b
X
2) in terms of coded and actual factors for parameters.
Responses
Coded factors
Actual factors
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) (Y
1)
Y
1
=
86.4
+
4.83
X
1
+
4.44
X
2
+
2.79
X
1
X
2
-
3.39
X
1
2
-
1.74
X
2
2
Y
1
=
7.23759
-
8.92803
X
1
+
7.06214
X
2
+
4.65833
X
1
X
2
-
84.64447
X
1
2
-
0.19386
X
2
2
Nitrogen uptake (Y
2)
Y
2
=
1181.23
+
81.47
X
1
+
50.81
X
2
+
29.90
X
1
X
2
-
58.94
X
1
2
+
28.56
X
2
2
Y
2
=
1918.97352
+
394.43873
X
1
-
112.27217
X
2
+
49.83750
X
1
X
2
-
1473.60719
X
1
2
+
3.17386
X
2
2
Total Dry Weight (TDW) (Y
3)
Y
3
=
175.20
+
1.68
X
1
+
9.42
X
2
-
10.06
X
1
X
2
+
15.25
X
1
2
-
3.83
X
2
2
Y
3
=
77.85286
+
81.47131
X
1
+
23.48060
X
2
-
16.77083
X
1
X
2
+
381.37462
X
1
2
-
0.42530
X
2
2
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.The analysis of variance for response surface quadratic model of NUE to test its adequacy was shown in Table5. The modelling equation, in terms of both coded and actual factors to represent the NUE (Y
1), was listed in Table 4 that was evaluated by the regression coefficients, F-values, p values, correlation coefficient (R), and the determination coefficient (R
2). The proposed model suggests that the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and the functionalization reflux time (X
2) had a significant effect on NUE response. The coefficient of determination value (R
2 = 0.8805) indicates that the response model can explain about 88% of the total variations. Additionally, the coefficient of adjusted determination value (Adj R
2 = 0.7952) was also high enough to indicate the significance of the selected model. The model F-value of 10.32 implies that the model is significant. It means that there is only about 0.40% chance that F-value this large could occur due to noise. p values less than 0.0500 indicate that the model terms are also significant. In this case the individual effects of X
1, X
2, X
1
2, and X
2
2 are significant model terms. However, insignificant p value was found for the interaction (X
1
X
2) between the design factors. Even an insignificant p value does not automatically specify that the particular research project has “failed to disprove the null hypothesis” [61], but here, in this case, conclusions should only be made after consideration of other significant factors and primary objectives of the study. Hence, the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and the functionalization reflux time (X
2) had a significant positive effect individually on NUE response by paddy. NUE response increased with increasing amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and the functionalization reflux time, while the interaction between X
1 and X
2 had a negative effect on NUE response.Table 5
Analysis of variance for NUE using CCD.
Source
Sum of squares
Degree of freedom
Mean square
F-value
p value
Model
462.90
5
92.58
10.32
0.0040
a
X
1
119.67
1
119.67
13.34
0.0082
b
X
2
236.74
1
236.74
26.39
0.0013
X
1
X
2
31.25
1
31.25
3.48
0.1042
X
1
2
52.66
1
52.66
5.87
0.0459
X
2
2
73.80
1
73.80
8.23
0.0241
Residual
62.80
7
8.97
Lack-of-Fit
62.80
3
20.93
Pure error
0.000
4
0.000
Cor total
525.70
12
R-Squared = 0.8805; Adj R-Squared = 0.7952; Pred R-Squared = −1.1297; Adeq Precision = 11.202.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.A negative “Pred R-Squared” implies that the overall mean is a better predictor of NUE than the current model. “Adeq Precision” which measures the signal-to-noise ratio was at about 11.202 indicating an adequate signal. A ratio greater than 4 is desirable. Hence, this model can be used to navigate the design space.Furthermore, the ANOVA for response surface quadratic model of NU to test its adequacy was presented in Table6. The modelling equations, in terms of both coded and actual factors to represent the NU (Y
2), were listed in Table 4. Similar to NUE, the proposed model suggests that the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and functionalization reflux time (X
2) had a significant effect on NU by paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs. Here, the coefficient of determination value (R
2 = 0.7872) indicates that the response model can explain about 79% of the total variations which is lower than NUE response. Additionally, the coefficient of adjusted determination value (Adj R
2 = 0.6352) was also high enough to indicate the significance of the model. The model F-value of 5.18 implies that the model is significant. There is only a 2.63% chance that F-value this large could occur due to noise. p value of 0.0263, which is less than 0.0500, implies that the model term is significant. In comparison with NUE, in this case X
1 and X
2 only are significant model terms. Individually, the increase in amount of f-MWCNTs and the functionalization reflux time positively increase the NU response by paddy, while the interaction between the “Lack-of-Fit F-value” of 27.63 implies that there is only 0.39% chance that a “Lack-of-Fit F-value” this large could occur due to noise. Again, a negative “Pred R-Squared” suggests that the overall mean is a better predictor of NU than the current suggested model. Furthermore, “Adeq Precision” of 8.519 indicates an adequate signal. Thus this model also can be used to navigate the design space.Table 6
Analysis of variance for N uptake using CCD.
Source
Sum of squares
Degree of freedom
Mean square
F-value
p value
Model
93968.46
5
18793.69
5.18
0.0263
a
X
1
34088.30
1
34088.30
9.39
0.0182
b
X
2
30984.95
1
30984.95
8.54
0.0223
X
1
X
2
3576.64
1
3576.64
0.99
0.3539
X
1
2
15960.55
1
15960.55
4.40
0.0742
X
2
2
19780.29
1
19780.29
5.45
0.0522
Residual
25401.24
7
3628.75
Lack-of-Fit
24231.77
3
8077.26
27.63
0.0039
Pure error
1169.47
4
292.37
Cor total
1.194
E
+
005
12
R-Squared = 0.7872; Adj R-Squared = 0.6352; Pred R-Squared = −2.1426; Adeq Precision = 8.519.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.Next, the ANOVA for response surface quadratic model of TDW to test its adequacy was shown in Table7. The modelling equations in terms of both coded and actual factors to represent the TDW (Y
3) were listed in Table 3. Contradicting with NUE and NU responses, the proposed model suggested that the amount of f-MWCNTs (X
1) and functionalization reflux time (X
2) had not provided a significant effect on TDW of paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs. Here, the model shows that the coefficient of determination value (R
2 = 0.6003) indicates that the TDW response model only can explain about 60% of the total variations which is much lower than NUE and NU responses. Moreover, the coefficient of adjusted determination value (Adj R
2 = 0.3149) was also too low to indicate the significance of the model. It means that about 68.51% of total variation of the TDW response was not explained by the model. The model F-value of 2.10 implies that the model is not significantly relative to the noise factor. This result implies that there is a 17.99% chance that F-value this large could occur due to noise. p values of less than 0.0500 indicate that model terms are significant. However, in this case no significant model terms were detected. The “Lack-of-Fit F-value” of 7054.21 implies that there is only about 0.01% chance that a “Lack-of-Fit F-value” this large could occur due to noise. Thus TDW of paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs are considered insignificant model terms, which have limited influence on this optimization models for the development of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.Table 7
Analysis of variance for Total Dry Weight (TDW) using CCD.
Source
Sum of squares
Degree of freedom
Mean square
F-value
p value
Model
3606.26
5
721.25
2.10
0.1799
a
X
1
14.57
1
14.57
0.042
0.8426
b
X
2
1063.90
1
1063.90
3.10
0.1216
X
1
X
2
405.02
1
405.02
1.18
0.3132
X
1
2
1069.03
1
1069.03
3.12
0.1208
X
2
2
355.18
1
355.18
1.04
0.3427
Residual
2400.72
7
342.96
Lack-of-Fit
2400.27
3
800.09
7054.21
<0.0001
Pure error
0.45
4
0.11
Cor total
6006.98
12
R-Squared = 0.6003; Adj R-Squared = 0.3149; Pred R-Squared = −2.3503; Adeq Precision = 5.643.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.In order to further ensure that the selected model provides an adequate approximation of the real system, the normal probability plots of the studentized residuals and diagnostics are provided by theDesign Expert 9 software. The normal probability plots illustrated in Figure 6 demonstrate that the normal probability plots of the studentized residuals for two quadratic models which are significant model terms including NUE (Figure 6(a)) and NU (Figure 6(b)) by paddy treated with UF-MWCNTs. A normal probability plot indicates that if the residuals follow a normal distribution, the points will be scattered following a straight line for each of the responses [62]. Consequently, the data for both NUE and NU responses can be possibly reflected as normally distributed in the models.Figure 6
Design Expert plot. Normal probability plot of the standardized residual for NUE (a) and NU (b).
(a)
(b)


## 3.6. Treatment Efficiency Evaluation

The 3D response surface plots are useful in assessing both individual and interaction relationships between independent variables and the responses [63]. These plots were obtained by computations using theDesign Expert 9 software and were depicted in Figure 7. As shown by contour plots in Figures 7(a)–7(d), the maximum observed NUE and NU responses of UF-MWCNTs by rice were 96.35% and 1363.55 mg/pot, respectively, at 0.50 wt% amount of f-MWCNTs and 21 hrs of functionalization reflux time. The increment of UF-MWCNTs for NUE and NU is accredited to the increase in f-MWCNTs amount and functionalization reflux time until 0.5 wt% MWCNTs and 21-hour functionalization reflux time accordingly and results in decrease in value of NUE and NU responses of UF-MWCNTs at further increment. Hence, the increases of both f-MWCNTs amount and functionalization reflux time until optimum values are two main factors affecting the UF-MWCNTs NUE and NU responses by paddy. According to the optimization processusing Design Expert 9, the desired goals for each responses (NUE and NU) were chosen to be maximized to achieve the highest performance of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.Figure 7
3D response surface plot of NUE (a) and NU (c) coupled with contour plots of NUE (b) and NU (d) of paddy as a function of f-MWCNTs (%) and functionalization reflux time (hour).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Finally, the confirmation report from the design software based on the 95% confidence level presents the optimum design factors (MWCNTs % and functionalization reflux time) (Table8) and respective desired responses (NUE % and N uptake) (Table 9) for the development of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer. As shown in Table 8, the optimum value of f-MWCNTs and functionalization reflux time for maximum performance of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer were confirmed to be 0.50 wt% and 21 hrs, respectively. Additionally, referring to Table 8, 93.34 NUE %, 1313.04 mg/pot NU, and 187.67 g/pot TDW of paddy are predicted based on the model under optimized operational condition of design factors. The desirability function value was observed to be 0.684 for these optimum design factors.Table 8
Optimization results for design factors of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.
Factors
Name
Level
Low level
High level
a
X
1
f-MWCNTs
0.50
0.10
0.50
b
X
2
Functionalization reflux time
21.00
15.00
21.00
Confidence level = 95%.
a
X
1 is amount of f-MWCNTs.
b
X
2 is functionalization reflux time.Table 9
Optimization results for maximum responses of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer.
Responses
Pred mean
Std. dev.
SE Pred
95% PI low
95% PI high
Desirability
NUE
93.34
2.99529
3.73
84.52
102.15
0.684
NU
1313.04
60.2391
74.94
1135.83
1490.25
TDW
187.67
18.5192
23.04
133.19
242.15


## 4. Conclusion

In conclusion, the functionalization of MWCNTs by strong acid treatment resulted in the formation of opened ends tubes still retaining their hollow sidewalls structure, as observed via morphological evaluation using FESEM followed by TEM and further confirmed through FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy analysis. These conditions also strongly facilitate the separation of nanotube bundles into individual tubes encouraging excellent biocompatibility between f-MWCNTs and UF. Furthermore, using RSM with CCD approach, the ANOVA of two quadratic models demonstrates that responses including NUE and NU by rice treated with UF-MWCNTs are significant model terms withp value of less than 0.05. Insignificant model term like TDW was excluded from the study to improve the models of optimization process for development of UF-MWCNTs fertilizer for enhancement of the plant growth. Apparently, RSM with CCD provides valuable information regarding the interaction between design factors which were f-MWCNTs wt% and functionalization reflux time which helps for recognition of possible optimum values of the chosen design factors. The optimum design factors obtained at 0.50 wt% amount of f-MWCNTs which have reflux in nitric acid for 21 hrs for functionalization process needed for the development of UF-MWCNTs show great performances up to 96% NUE and 1180 mg/pot for NU. This new urea-MWCNTs (UF-MWCNTs) approach delivers a promising improvement in NU and NUE for efficient plant nutrition of rice.



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*Source: 1250739-2016-08-25.xml*