A Master’s thesis in the Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Kerbala, presented by Khodair Rashid Kitab, focused on the synthesis and characterization of silica nanocomposites using the sol-gel method and their biological activity against specific bacterial strains.

The study involved the preparation of sodium silicate solution from rice husks and the synthesis of nickel and copper-based nanocomposites using the sol-gel technique. These nanocomposites were then characterized using multiple analytical techniques and tested for their antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

The results demonstrated that the rice husk-derived nanocomposites with nickel and copper exhibited strong bacterial inhibition, with larger inhibition zones compared to the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin, highlighting their potential as effective antibacterial agents.

The study recommended the industrial application of rice husk-derived nanocomposites as catalysts and in organic reactions. It also suggested the extraction of silica from other plant-based sources such as banana, bamboo, and barley. Additionally, the study emphasized the potential use of these nanocomposites as alternatives to conventional chemical treatments, given their lower impact on human health.