The quest for sustainable and eco-friendly materials has led to significant advances in the field of nanotechnology, particularly in the synthesis of bio-graphene from agricultural waste.
A notable breakthrough in this area comes from the research led by Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr Siti Kudnie Sahari from the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), who has successfully synthesized bio-graphite from sago trunk waste.
Funded by the Tun Openg Chair grant, this research demonstrates the viability of using sago, a widely available agricultural waste in Sarawak, as a precursor for bio-graphite production.
Preliminary results have shown promising characteristics of the bio-graphite obtained, setting the stage for further investigation into its conversion to bio-graphene.
Bio-graphite, which is produced from organic biomass and agricultural waste, retains the unique properties of graphite and presents itself as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional graphite. Bio-graphene, a derivative of bio-graphite, is fast emerging as a promising material for various applications, including biosensors and solar cells.
The conversion of biomass into bio-graphite involves pyrolysis and other carbonization processes, which transform waste materials into high-purity graphite-like carbon.
Bio-graphene is then synthesized from bio-graphite through exfoliation techniques, such as chemical, thermal, or mechanical methods.
The exfoliation of bio-graphite results in ultra-thin sheets of carbon with exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. These characteristics make bio-graphene suitable for advanced applications like biosensors and solar cells, offering potential improvements in sensitivity and efficiency.
Building on these preliminary findings, future research will focus on optimizing the conversion processes to enhance the quality and yield of bio-graphene from sago-derived bio-graphite. Investigations will also explore the scalability of the production methods and their integration into commercial applications for biosensors and solar cells.
Prepared by Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr Siti Kudnie Sahari from the Faculty of Engineering, Researcher at Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Energy, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).