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Graphene oxide based coconut shell waste: synthesis by modified Hummers method and characterization
E H Sujiono1, Zurnansyah1, D Zabrian1
1Laboratory of Materials Physics, Department of Physics, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, 90224, Indonesia.
Heliyon
|August 11, 2020
Summary
Graphene oxide derived from coconut shell waste exhibits semiconductor properties. This sustainable approach utilizes agricultural waste for material synthesis, confirmed by various spectroscopic and microscopic analyses.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile material with numerous applications.
- Sustainable synthesis routes for GO are crucial for environmental and economic benefits.
- Coconut shell waste presents an abundant and underutilized source of carbonaceous material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize graphene oxide (GO) from coconut shell waste using a modified Hummers method.
- To characterize the synthesized GO using various analytical techniques.
- To evaluate the potential semiconductor properties of the GO derived from biomass.
Main Methods:
- Modified Hummers method for graphene oxide synthesis.
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis and elemental composition.
- Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for functional group identification.
- Raman spectroscopy for structural characterization and defect analysis.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) for morphology and elemental mapping.
- UV-Visible spectroscopy and Tauc plot analysis for optical properties and bandgap determination.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of GO from coconut shell waste.
- XRD confirmed the presence of the 2H graphite phase and mineral elements (P, Ca, K), with a tendency towards reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
- FTIR spectra indicated the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, alcohol, and epoxy functional groups.
- Raman spectroscopy showed an ID/IG ratio of 0.89, characteristic of a single layer with defects.
- SEM revealed a granular surface morphology.
- UV-Vis spectroscopy and Tauc plot analysis determined a bandgap energy of 4.38 eV, indicating semiconductor properties.
Conclusions:
- Graphene oxide can be effectively synthesized from coconut shell waste, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
- The synthesized GO possesses functional groups and structural characteristics comparable to GO derived from pure graphite.
- The determined bandgap energy confirms the semiconductor nature of the biomass-derived GO, opening possibilities for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
