Analysis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide Derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Using X-Ray Diffraction

Indonesia has the ability to develop a good and cheap energy source due to its vast resources, such as palm oil. In 2021, the area of oil palm plantations in Indonesia would reach 14.68 million hectares, with palm oil mills becoming a main commodity. Palm oil manufacturing generates around 70% of solid waste from post-process materials such as tree trunks, leaves, shells, and empty palm bunches (OPEFB). The majority of solid waste produced goes unutilized. OPEFB can be used as a raw material in the production of graphene oxide. The goal of this study is to use OPEFB as a raw material for producing graphene oxide. The modified hummers technique is used to synthesize graphene oxide, in which activated carbon activated with KOH is evaluated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) before being reacted to produce graphene oxide. XRD analysis revealed that activated carbon from OPEFB with KOH activator exhibits amorphous peaks (2θ = 24.16o and 43.77o), similar to commercial activated carbon. XRD diffractograms at 2θ = 10.2o and 25.49o reveal a crystalline form of graphene oxide, indicating successful synthesis from OPEFB.