IPTEK The Journal for Technology and Science, Vol. xx(x), Xxx. 20xx.

2088-2033 (pISSN: 0853-4098) 1

Analysis of the Effect of Natural Zeolite and

Activated Carbon on Hydrogenation Process of
Glucosa
Farris Hilmyafif Elli1, Rinda Mustikah2, Bahrul Anam3, Aldistra Rosa Putra4, Hasna Nabilla5
ABSTRAK
Indonesia diberkahi sumber daya alam yang sangat melimpah, termasuk jumlah areal hutan beserta keragaman majemuk serta
kekayaan akan mineral yang dapat digunakan sebagai material penyangga katalis. Dalam studi kali ini, fokus akan diberikan untuk
meningkatkan peran tanaman bambu yang kemudian dijadikan karbon dan pengolahan zeolit alam menjadi material penyangga
katalis. Bambu dan zeolit dipilih sebagai bahan baku penyangga katalis dikarenakan jumlahnya melimpah di Indonesia. Dimana
untuk bambu, lebih dari 200 varietas spesies menempati 37 juta hektar areal hutan nasional dan untuk zeolit terdapat lebih dari 400
varian zeolit yang berbeda bergantung dengan persebaran daerahnya.
Pada studi ini, bambu akan dimanfaatkan sebagai karbon aktif, sedangkan zeolit alam akan dipreparasi untuk diaktifasi menjadi
zeolit aktif dalam komponen katalis reaksi hidrogenasi glukosa. Karbon aktif dari bambu dan zeolit aktif dari zeolit alam kemudian
diimpregnasi logam nikel. Alur dari penelitian ini adalah preparasi katalis, lalu proses hidrogenasi glukosa. Katalis yang dihasilkan
kemudian dikarakterisasi dengan analisa SEM-EDX, BET, dan XRD, sedangkan produk hasil reaksi kemudian dianalisa HPLC.
Kata kunci : bambu, zeolite alam, karbon aktif, katalis, hidrogenasi, glukosa, sorbitol.

ABSTRACT
Indonesia is blessed with abundant natural resources, including the number of forest areas along with diverse diversity and the
wealth of minerals that can be used as catalyst support material. In this study, focus will be given to increasing the role of bamboo
plants which are then made carbon and processing natural zeolites into catalyst support materials. Bamboo and zeolite are selected
as catalyst support materials because of their abundant amounts in Indonesia. Where for bamboo, more than 200 varieties of species
occupy 37 million hectares of national forest area and for zeolites there are more than 400 variants of zeolites which differ depending
on the distribution of the area.
In this study, bamboo will be used as activated carbon, while natural zeolite will be prepared to be activated into active zeolite in
the catalyst component of the glucose hydrogenation process. Activated carbon from bamboo and active zeolite from natural zeolite
is then impregnated with nickel. The flow of this research is catalyst preparation and then glucose hydrogenation process. The catalyst
produced was then characterized by SEM-EDX, BET, and XRD analysis, while the reaction product was then analyzed by HPLC.
Keywords : bamboo, natural zeolite, activated carbon, catalyst, hydrogenation, glucose, sorbitol.

However, this large catalyst requirement is mostly met

I. INTRODUCTION1 with imported catalysts because until now the local
catalyst industry is still limited. Meanwhile, Indonesia is

s orbitol is classified as sugar alcohol or better

known as D-glucitol is a product that is currently growing
rapidly. Sorbitol can be applied in many sectors, the most
important sector is sweeteners because it is low in calories
and slowly absorbed by the body. Sorbitol is very suitable
for consumption by diabetics as a substitute for glucose or
sucrose which can increase blood sugar levels in the body.
In the production of sorbitol, a catalyst is needed as a
compound that functions to accelerate the course of a
chemical reaction so that process is faster and higher
yielded. The metal used in making catalysts for sorbitol
production is currently dominated by Pt, Ru, Raney
Nickel, which is quite expensive.
On the other hand, the catalyst needs in
Indonesia are quite large and increase every year.
blessed with abundant natural resources, including the
number of forest areas along with diverse diversity and the
wealth of minerals that can be used as catalyst support
material. Where for bamboo, more than 200 varieties of
species occupy 37 million hectares of national forest area,
and for natural zeolites there are more than 400 zeolite
variants that differ depending on the distribution of the
area.
Sorbitol production is carried out by catalytic
hydrogenation with glucose raw material. Hydrogenation
of glucose has a number of side products from its reactions
such as D-mannitol, furfural, and gluconic acid so it is
necessary to choose a catalyst that is able to optimize the
selectivity of the reactions that occur. The catalyst used is
quite varied, one of the most affordable is Ni. Ni in its use
as a catalyst for the hydrogenation process is noted to
produce a reaction selectivity value of up to 98%.

1 4
Farris Hilmyafif Elli, Departement of Chemical Engineering, Institut Aldistra Rosa Putra, Departement of Chemical Engineering,
Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia. E-mail: Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia. E-
farrishilmyafif@gmail.com mail: Aldistrarosaputra@gmail.com
2 5
Rinda Mustikah, Departement of Chemical Engineering, Institut Hasna Nabilla, Departement of Chemical Engineering, Institut
Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia. E-mail: Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia. E-mail:
rindamustikah@gmail.com bella2hasna@gmail.com @gmail.com
3
Bahrul Anam, Departement of Chemical Engineering, Institut
Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia. E-mail:
bahrulanam37@gmail.com
 IPTEK The Journal for Technology and Science, Vol. xx(x), Xxx. 20xx. 2088-2033 (pISSN: 0853-4098)
Electronic configuration shows that Ni has a 3d atomic
orbitals that are not yet full. The presence of D orbitals
that have not been fully filled causes Ni to have active
catalytic properties and strong adsorption power to
reactants, Rifan et al.[1]
However, some weaknesses in the use of Nickel
catalysts are Ni active surface loss due to sintering,
leaching of Ni and metal promoters to acidic and chelating
reaction mixture, and contamination of the active surface
of the catalyst due to formed by-products, Hoffer et al.[2]
To overcome the shortage of Ni catalysts, it is
necessary to find a type of material support catalyst that is
able to maintain stability against thermal conditions and
other reaction conditions on catalysts by utilizing natural
materials, namely bamboo carbon and natural zeolite
which are more affordable for producing sorbitol. This
research was conducted to obtain an efficient catalyst,
able to work optimally both from the aspect of catalyst
performance and the age of the catalyst at an affordable
price, high selectivity and high yield. This research is
expected to help investors and governments in developing
local catalyst production in the sorbitol industry.
II. METHOD
2.1 Catalyst Preparation
(1) Preparation Activated Carbon from Bamboo
The first step is the reduction of the size of the bamboo,
followed by drying until the water content is 13-15% and
carbonized at 500 °C and 800 °C with the flow of nitrogen
gas in the furnace (carbonization reactor). Carbonization
is carried out for 2 hours. Carbonized bamboo is cooled to
room temperature then added activating agent (H3PO4)
85% by comparison of bamboo: 85% H3PO4 of 1: 5 and
stirring for 1 hour at 85 ° C using a magnetic stirrer, then
washing to neutral pH using distilled water and drying in
the oven at ± 110 ° C for ± 24 hours. There are three
variable for activated carboon from bamboo catalysts :
(a) Carbonized at 500 °C with continued activation (I)
(b) Carbonized at 500 °C without continued activation (II)
(c) Carbonized at 800 °C
The sample which was given further activation
treatment was carried out by heating at a temperature of
800 °C for 2 hours. This is intended to maximize pore
formation and increase surface area. After that the
samples were functionalized with 65% HNO3.
Functionalization is carried out by making a solution of
HNO3 and putting it in a three neck flask along with
activated carbon. Making HNO3 solution by taking 3 ml
of 65% HNO3 solution then adding it with distilled water
up to 150 ml. Functionalize at 80 °C for 4 hours by stirring
using a magnetic strirer. Functionality is intended to form
oxygen functional groups that will strengthen the
development of Ni elements in the activated carbon
support during impregnation of the catalyst. After
functionalization, washing up to neutral pH is carried out
to remove the remains of the activating agent. Then the
sample was dried at an oven temperature of ± 110 °C for
24 hours. The samples obtained are then stored in a
desiccator to maintain the level of dryness.
(2) Preparation Activated Natural Zeolite from Malang
Activated natural zeolite is prepared with natural
zeolite base material. Natural zeolite was given initial
2
treatment of washing in distilled water along with stirring
with magnetic stirrer for a day and night at room
temperature and filtered. The precipitate obtained was
then dried in an oven at a temperature of 110 °C for 24
hours. In its activation there are two variable treatments
for activated natural zeolite catalysts :
(a) Activation with temperature (by being heated in the
oven) (I)
(b) Activation by soaking in 100 ml of 1% HF solution
(II) for 30 minutes, then washing to neutralize the acid
with distilled water. After washing, sample was dried in
an oven with a temperature of 120 °C for 24 hours. The
sample was then immersed again with 6N HCl solution
for 30 minutes at a temperature of 50 °C and stirred with
a magnetic stirrer, then filtered and washed to pH at 3-5,
then drying was carried out in an oven with a temperature
of 130 °C for 3 hours. The sample was then immersed in
1N NH4Cl solution at a temperature of 90°C for 1 week
while stirring, then filtered, washed, and dried.
2.2 Impregnation of Ni, Calcination, and Reduction
After the treatment of activation of the support of
activated carbon and zeolite, Ni was impregnated on the
support using the wet impregnation method with the
Ni(NO3)2.6H2O precursor solution. Addition of
Ni(NO3)2.6H2O solution into the support is carried out
slowly and accompanied by stirring. The impregnated
sample was then dried in the oven for 12 hours, left in the
desiccator, and calcined with N2 gas at 500 °C for 2 hours.
Catalysts that are still in the form of oxides are reduced by
H2 gas at a temperature of 400 °C for 5 hours at a pressure
of 1 bar in the furnace.
2.3 Catalytic Hydrogenation Reaction
Catalytic hydrogenation reaction is done using a series
of reactors. The first step is to prepare a 200 mL glucose
solution containing 20% D-glucose solution. Next prepare
the catalyst as much as 10% of the solution volume. The
glucose solution and the catalyst are put into the reactor
and closed tightly. The temperature on the control panel is
set at the operating temperature (100 °C). The reactor is
filled with H2 gas which was previously flushed with N2
gas. When the heating process the pressure on the reactor
is set at 10 bars. Heating using an electric heater is run and
after the operating temperature is reached, the operating
pressure is increased so that the pressure inside the reactor
shows 30 bars. The reaction is carried out for 45 minutes.
2.4 Catalyst Characterization and Product Analysis
To determine the results of good preparation, it is
necessary to characterize the catalyst :
1. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis which
aims to determine the morphology of the catalysts.
2. Analysis of EDX (Energy Dispersion X-Ray) which
aims to determine the composition of metals.
3. BET Analysis (Bruneur-Emmet-Teller) which aims to
determine the surface area of the catalyst.
4. Analysis of XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) which aims to
determine the crystallinity of the catalysts.
To find out the results of the sample, it is necessary to
analyze High Performance Liquid Chromatography
(HPLC) to find out the components of glucose and
sorbitol found in the product samples produced.
IPTEK The Journal for Technology and Science, Vol. xx(x), Xxx. 20xx. 2088-2033 (pISSN: 0853-4098) 3

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

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 IPTEK The Journal for Technology and Science, Vol. xx(x), Xxx. 20xx. 2088-2033 (pISSN: 0853-4098) 4

TABLE 1.
COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS IN TRAINING OF OHL-CBPNN
Training Network size Iteration Training
Method Data Set by broken
(units)*
Put a figure in this space surrounded line. This(epoch) Time (s)
line is not necessary in your manuscript .
Data 1 105 31095 37.181
Fixed 1
Data 2 72 21221 18.834

Figure. 1. Put the caption for figure 1 here. Use an appropriate and as clear as possible caption for the figure.

Put a figure in this space surrounded by broken line. This line is not necessary in your manuscript.

Figure. 2. Put the caption for figure 1 here. Use an appropriate and as clear as possible caption for the figure.

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Every text citation must be listed under the heading “References”
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Times New Roman 8.The following is the example of how to wrote the
references.
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