OPTIMISING THE REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE PARTICLE SIZE THROUGH MESH AND TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS IN A MODIFIED HUMMER METHOD SYNTHESIS

This study successfully demonstrated the utilisation of a modified Hummer method to synthesise reduced graphene oxide from coconut shell charcoal. The fundamental objective of this research is to synthesise reduced graphene oxide from naturally available carbon sources and to optimise the particle size of the reduced graphene oxide using a modified Hummers technique to enhance the sustainability and efficiency. The powdered coconut shell charcoal initially processed in a mortar undergoes a more stringent procedure involving variations in mash and temperature. The optimal powder particle size of around 36 μm was achieved using a 230-mesh filter. The production of reduced graphene oxide was validated by the identification of characteristic peaks at 2Θ = 24° using an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Functional groups such as C=C, C-O, and O-H were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) research, corroborating the successful production of reduced graphene oxide. Due to its unique conductivity, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility, reduced graphene oxide can be utilised in the biomedical sector. This study highlights the potential of coconut shells as a sustainable precursor for the production of reduced graphene oxide, as well as the modification of its particle size through variations in temperature and mash composition.