“This research was conducted intensively at the Nano and Interfacial Chemistry (NIC) Laboratory, Department of Chemistry FMIPA UI, as well as at Pertamina’s laboratory,” Kurniawaty stated in Depok, West Java, on Wednesday.
The UI Chemistry PhD candidate further explained that her research focused on developing a metal nanoparticle-based additive.
The additive was synthesized using red Calliandra leaf extract, with raw materials sourced from the Biofarmaka Garden at IPB University in Bogor.
The resulting metal oxide additive was then added to a blend of gasoline and ethanol (PE10).
She noted that this additive aims to improve oxidation stability, corrosion resistance, and combustion performance of the eco-friendly fuel.
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Indah explained that although ethanol-gasoline blends are more environmentally friendly, they still face challenges such as susceptibility to oxidation and causing engine corrosion.
“Through a green synthesis approach, we utilized the natural compounds found in Calliandra leaves, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, to create metal-based additives like MgO, AlO, and MgAlO,” she remarked.
Test results showed that PE10 blended with the metal oxide additive from Calliandra leaf extract had significantly improved stability and was more resistant to degradation during storage, in addition to providing protection against rust.
Thanks to this additive, fuel combustion efficiency improved, reflected by increased carbon dioxide (CO) emissions and decreased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO).
“I want to prove that future energy solutions can arise from local plants. They do not have to be expensive or harmful to the environment,” Indah stated.
Kurniawaty officially earned her Doctorate in Chemistry on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, with honors and a cumulative GPA of 3.96.
Her dissertation was titled “Enhancing the Performance of Gasoline-Ethanol Fuel Blends Using MgAlO Additives Synthesized Through Green Synthesis Method from Calliandra calothyrsus Leaf Extract.”
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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