Formation of graphene oxide from carbon rods of zinc-carbon battery wastes by audiosonic sonication assisted by commercial detergent

This study aims to determine the effect of audiosonic sonication in normal modes on the formation of graphene oxide (GO) from carbon rods of zinc-carbon (ZnC) battery wastes. The method used in this study was sonication with an audiosonic frequency in normal modes, assisted by a surfactant solution derived from a commercial detergent. A graphite-detergent solution was exposed to audiosonic waves using a frequency of 170 Hz for 3 h with a pattern on the surface of the solution. The graphite solution was a mixture of 0.8 g of graphite powder and 100 ml of distilled water that was mixed using a blender for 2 min. 25 ml of the solution was then taken and dripped with two drops of detergent solution containing 0.2 g detergent powder dissolved into 100 ml distilled water, so that a graphite-detergent solution was obtained. The tools used in this study included UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The solution that was audiosonicated showed a strong visible nodal pattern on its surface. The UV–Vis spectroscopy produced absorbance peaks at wavelengths of 225 nm and 270 nm, and the FTIR indicated the presence of OH and CC functional groups, which suggested the existence of GO. The SEM images showed GO in the form of coral-like materials.