GREEN REDUCTION OF GRAPHENE OXIDE USING CHROMOLAENA ODORATA EXTRACT AND ITS CHARACTERIZATIONS

This study synthesizes reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by modifying Hummer’s method using various concentrations of Chromolaena Odorata rGO1 to rGO4 extract as a reducing agent, replacing the use of environmentally toxic chemicals. XRD analysis of rGO4 showed a sharp peak at 26.5°, corresponding to the (002) plane with an interlayer spacing of 0.33 nm. Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis showed an ID/IG ratio, indicating the removal of oxygen-containing functional groups from the structure. EDS analysis showed a C:O ratio of 14:1. The FESEM images of rGO4 showed a large-area, stacked sheet structure that was smooth and rumpled. The FTIR analysis showed a decrease in O-H, C=O, and C-O functional groups. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of rGO4 showedan absorption wavelength of 286 nm, indicating the restoration of the electron conjugated system,resulting from a band gap energy of 1.89 eV. In addition, the electrochemical performance ofthe synthesized FTO/rGO electrode was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The resultsdemonstrate the performance of rGO4, evident from a larger CV curve area and high symmetry.