PREPARATION OF GRAPHITE FROM CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS BY MAJOFODUN FUNMILAYO REBECCA 200403027 A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE, ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY, AKUNGBA-AKOKO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA. IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

Graphite, a crystalline form of carbon made of stacked graphene layers, is widely valued for its electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic plant rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, offers a low-cost and abundant carbonaceous alternative. The aim of this study was to prepare graphite from water hyacinth biomass and demonstrate its potential as a sustainable raw material. The objectives included pretreating the biomass, converting it into graphite-like carbon, and characterizing the product. The method involved acid pretreatment with sulphuric acid tobreak down cellulose and lignins content, remove mineral impurities, and improve porosity. The treated biomass was then subjected to thermal carbonization to convert the organic matter into graphitic carbon structures. Results from characterization, particularly X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirmed crystallinity and the presence of graphite in the final product. The diffraction peaks obtained corresponded to the structural arrangement of graphite, validating successful conversion of the plant biomass into a graphitic material. In conclusion, this study shows that water hyacinth can be effectively converted into graphite through acid activation and thermal carbonization. This process not only provides a sustainable and economical route for graphite production but also addresses the environmental challenges posed by the uncontrolled spread of water hyacinth.