Eco-friendly TiO2–Halloysite Supported Fluopyram Nanopesticide Formulation for Aquatic Safety without Compromising Efficacy

Abstract

The low utilization rate of pesticide leads to the pollution of soil and environment, which ultimately endangers human health. In this study, TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized and loaded with fluopyram (Flu) on halloysite (Ha) via sol–gel methods which was named Flu@THa. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the structure of all samples, and then the performances of zeta potential, fungistatic ability, antileaching behavior, and biosafety were tested. The results showed that anatase-phase TiO₂ was synthesized on halloysite with a particle size of ∼10 nm. Under neutral conditions (pH 7), the cumulative rate of pesticide release from Flu@THa was three times higher than that under acidic and alkaline conditions in 24 h. Flu@THa was evenly distributed in the soil and slowed the loss of pesticides. In addition, Flu@THa can promote germination and growth of peanut seeds and had good biocompatibility with low toxicity to zebrafish. This study is expected to be able to provide implications for environmentally friendly nanopesticides.