Pengaruh Ukuran Partikel Selulosa Pada Kemampuan Membran Separator dari TKKS-Fiber Glass dalam Memisahkan Hidrogen dan Oksigen Pada Elektrolizer Air

Abstract

The fabrication and characterization of cellulose-based membranes of oil palm empty fruit bunches (TKKS)-fiber glass has been carried out as a membrane separator for H2 and O2 in the air electrolysis process. The cellulose fibers produced have the characteristics of functional groups O-H, C-H, C=O, and C-O-C. The membrane separator was successfully made using a simple and manual technique, namely mixing cellulose with various mesh sizes with 50:50 (% w) epoxy resin to obtain a composite membrane. The optimum performance of the membrane as a separator of H2 and O2 produced H2 gas of 463 ppm using the 3rd membrane, namely the use of a cellulose mesh size of 210 μm, while the 4th membrane with 149 μm cellulose produced H2 gas of 253 ppm. Based on the results of physical testing, it was found that the larger the size of the cellulose mesh, the greater the porosity and swelling. The same thing was observed in the morphological appearance of the membrane surface which explained the formation of cavities or pores on the membrane surface. Where the pores play an important role in the physical properties and performance of the separator membrane.