Comparative Characterization of Biomass-Derived Carbons from Coconut Shell and Rice Husk: Structural, Thermal, Elemental, and Optical Properties

Abstract:

This study presents a comparative characterization of carbon materials derived from coconut shell and rice husk based on their structural, thermal, elemental, and optical properties. The materials were characterized using thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis (TGA–DTA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. TGA–DTA results indicate that coconut shell-derived carbon exhibits higher thermal stability, with minimal weight loss of approximately 6% up to 1000°C, whereas rice husk-derived carbon undergoes significant weight loss of approximately 60% due to residual organic matter decomposition. XRF analysis reveals distinct compositional differences: rice husk carbon is dominated by SiO₂ (95.06 wt%), while coconut shell carbon contains 9.66 wt% Fe₂O₃. XRD patterns confirm predominantly amorphous carbon structures in both materials, with partial graphitic features (d-spacing ~0.34 nm) observed in the coconut shell-derived carbon. UV–Vis spectroscopy demonstrates higher optical absorbance (~0.85) for coconut shell carbon in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm. Overall, coconut shell-derived carbon exhibits superior characteristics in terms of thermal stability, Fe₂O₃ content, partial graphitic ordering, and optical absorbance compared to rice husk-derived carbon.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1190)
• Pages: 93-98
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Ut1xQT
• Online since: July 2026
• Authors: Umi Nuraini*, Dara Phonna Sibthi Zahara, Fufu Samrotul Fuadah, Firda Ainun Nisah, Metatia Intan Mauliana
• Keywords: Biomass-Derived Carbon, Coconut Shell, Material Characterization, Optical Properties, Rice Husk

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