Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide based on rubber seed shells and rice husks and their composites using the modified Hummer method

Abstract

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is a thin material, has a hexagonal two- dimentional lattice and is considered as an interesting material for many applications. This study aims to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (RGO) from rubber seed shells (RSS) and rice husks (RH) and their composites using the modified hummer method. The modification was done by replaceNaNO3 with H3PO4 so can eliminated of NO2 and N2O4 as toxic gas. RSS contains 48.64% cellulose and 21.60% lignin. Meanwhile, 38% cellulose, 18% hemicellulose and 22% lignin were contained in RH. Synthesis was carried out with three steps, that are synthesis graphite with calcination at 550°C, then graphite oxide synthesis using H2SO4 and H3PO4 (9:1) and KMnO4 as oxidator, finally synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using ultrasonicated and Zn as reductor. Analysis of RGO sample was carried out through measured from XRD and FTIR. Based on results XRD analysis was obtained 2θ of RGO RSS, RH, and RRC respectively 23.5, 21.2, and 24.3° with crystallinity by 17%, 13%, and 10%. those results showing amorphous material properties. FTIR characterization shows change structure on RGO after reduction with loss of O atoms as well loss OH groups present in RGO.