Morphological Test of Areca Nut Fiber Ceramic Membrane Using Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-ray Mapping Spectroscopy

Authors

• Amelia Marzain, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Batanghari, Kota Jambi, 36122, IndonesiaFollow
• Siti Umi Kalsum, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Batanghari, Kota Jambi, 36122, IndonesiaFollow
• Marhadi Marhadi, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Batanghari, Kota Jambi, 36122, IndonesiaFollow
• Ahmad Nabil Shahab, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus UI, Jawa Barat, Depok, 16424, IndonesiaFollow

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of ceramic membranes derived from areca nut fiber as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable material for the removal of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) from groundwater. Two types of membranes were fabricated: one without activation and one chemically activated using 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The morphological and elemental characteristics of both membranes were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping. The concentrations of Fe and Mn before and after treatment were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The NaOH-activated membrane exhibited a more porous surface structure and higher oxygen content, which enhanced its adsorption capability. This membrane achieved removal efficiencies of 55.94% for Fe and 67.72% for Mn- substantially higher than the non-activated variant. The results confirm the effectiveness of NaOH activation in enhancing membrane performance and demonstrate the potential of areca nut fiber as a valuable agricultural waste material for low-cost water purification in rural areas.

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Recommended Citation

Marzain, Amelia; Kalsum, Siti Umi; Marhadi, Marhadi; and Shahab, Ahmad Nabil (2025) "Morphological Test of Areca Nut Fiber Ceramic Membrane Using Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-ray Mapping Spectroscopy," Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings: Vol. 4: Iss. 3, Article 6.
DOI: 10.7454/jmef.v4i3.1099
Available at: https://scholarhub.ui.ac.id/jmef/vol4/iss3/6