Synthesis and Characterization of Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) from Coalite as a Battery Cathode Raw Material

Low-cost and environmentally friendly energy storage is currently being extensively researched, with batteries being one of the primary focuses. However, many battery materials still involve hazardous substances during synthesis and are relatively high-cost. Therefore, this study aims to address these limitations by developing a battery using an alternative material, coalite, synthesized via the Hummer’s method. The primary objective is to investigate the effect of coalite carbonization temperature on the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a battery cathode. The successful synthesis of rGO was verified through multiple characterization techniques. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed an amorphous rGO structure with a peak at 25°. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups such as O-H, C=O, C=C, and C-O, with the presence of C=C bonds indicating the main structural component of rGO. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) Mapping showed that the rGO 600 sample exhibited the highest porosity and carbon (C) composition, with a porosity value of 69.19% and a carbon content of 80.26%. Furthermore, the electrochemical performance of the battery was evaluated using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The results indicated that as the carbonization temperature increased (rGO 600), the CV curve exhibited a broader quasi-rectangular shape. Based on these findings, the rGO 600 sample derived from coalite exhibits significant potential as a material for sustainable battery development.