CNT Synthesis from POME by Pyrolysis using Tubular Furnace

Abstract

The utilization of the palm oil waste, such as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), is desirable to reduce environmental problems and increase its value as a source of biomass. POME can be processed to make Carbon Nanotube (CNT), a cylindrical carbon allotrope composed of graphene sheets. CNT, since its nanosized and high electrical conductivity, is well-suited to be used as electrodes in energy storage device such as battery. This study focuses on CNT synthesis from POME by pyrolysis process at 900°C using ferrocene as a catalyst in flowing nitrogen atmosphere. The synthesis of CNT consists of preparation of raw material (POME), synthesis of resin oil, pyrolysis, and characterization of CNT. The result shows that this process yields 0.28 g CNT (from 15 g POME, using 30 weight-% Ferrocene) whose diameter varies between 26-171 nm, the surface area is 404.62 m2g-1. From the XRD analysis, a C (002) is detected at 2θ of 29.098° with intensity of 3.173 Å, slightly under perfect graphite intensity (3.354 Å). It can be concluded that CNT can be produced from POME using pyrolysis process; an affordable yet applicable way on industrial scale to produce a good quality of CNT.