SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHENE LIKE CARBON (GLC) FROM COCONUT SHELLS WITH HIGH AND STABLE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

This research focuses on synthesising, the characterisation, and electrical conductivity testing of graphene nanosheets made from the renewable resource of coconut shells. Graphene and similar carbon-based nanomaterials, with their unique physical, chemical, and electrical properties, are ideal for battery cathode applications. The synthesis involves roasting whole old coconut shells at 150 °C and 200 °C, followed by pyrolysis at 750 °C to prepare graphene-like carbon. The synthesised material was characterised using XRD, SEM-EDS, RAMAN, FT-IR, and electrical conductivity tests. The XRD results indicated the presence of graphene peaks and oxygen-containing graphene functional groups. The SEM results revealed typical graphene surface morphology with interlocking layers of porous three-dimensional graphene. The EDX analysis confirmed carbon as the majority compound content, with a minor presence of oxygen, validating the synthesis of graphene. The Raman spectroscopy showed similar intensities at different temperatures, indicating the formation of more SP2 domains. The FT-IR testing confirmed the bonding interaction of graphene at both temperatures, demonstrating the presence of carbon groups. The electrical conductivity tests show that the obtained graphene nanosheet has high and stable conductivity, which can effectively control electron mobility by storing.