Enhancement of Aluminum-Air Battery Performance Using Rice Husk-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots and Carbon Nanotubes

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Published Oct 31, 2025
https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v4i2.403
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Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites

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Muhammad Ammar Zakky
Universitas Andalas
Firman Ridwan
Universitas Andalas
Dean Bilalwa Agusto
Universitas Andalas
Wismalqi Wismalqi
Universitas Andalas
Gusriwandi Gusriwandi
Universitas Andalas

Abstract

The development of sustainable, high-performance energy storage systems is crucial for addressing the challenges associated with renewable energy integration and the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries. This study investigated the potential of an innovative electrolyte membrane for aluminum-air batteries, incorporating carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from rice husk charcoal and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. CQDs were synthesized using a microwave-assisted technique, and CNTs were added to enhance the structural and conductive properties of the membranes. Three distinct membrane compositions were prepared: a base solution of PVA, HCl, and glycerol; a base solution with CQDs; and a base solution with CQDs and CNTs. Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed enhanced intermolecular interactions and successful integration of the carbon nanomaterials within the polymer network. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated a reduction in crystallite size from 11.27 nm (base membrane) to 9.65 nm (–14.36%) with CQDs and further to 8.29 nm (–26.47%) with CQDs + CNTs, suggesting improved amorphous characteristics that reinforce the membrane structure and facilitate ionic conductivity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated an increase in ionic conductivity from 4.98501 mS/cm (base membrane) to 5.51837 mS/cm with CQDs and 6.35292 mS/cm (+27.4%) with CQDs + CNTs. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of CQDs and CNTs in optimizing the ion migration pathways and charge transport within the electrolyte membrane. The utilization of rice husk charcoal as a precursor for CQDs aligns with sustainable practices and promotes the use of renewable resources. This study presents a promising approach for the development of advanced electrolyte membranes for aluminum-air batteries, contributing to efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective energy storage solutions.

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Author Biographies

Muhammad Ammar Zakky, Universitas Andalas

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Firman Ridwan, Universitas Andalas

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Dean Bilalwa Agusto, Universitas Andalas

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Wismalqi Wismalqi, Universitas Andalas

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Gusriwandi Gusriwandi, Universitas Andalas

Department of Mechanical Engineering

How to Cite
Zakky, M. A., Ridwan, F., Agusto, D. B., Wismalqi, W., & Gusriwandi, G. (2025). Enhancement of Aluminum-Air Battery Performance Using Rice Husk-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots and Carbon Nanotubes. Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites, 4(2), 101–119. https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v4i2.403

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