Development of a Hybrid Bioethanol–Seawater Electrolyte from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Waste for Sustainable Bio-Battery Applications
How to cite (AJARCDE) :
The increasing demand for renewable energy necessitates innovative solutions utilizing abundant agricultural waste. This study investigates the development of a novel hybrid liquid electrolyte that combines crude bioethanol derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) with natural seawater for sustainable bio-battery systems. The main novelty lies in leveraging the synergistic effect between the stable, polar organic medium of OPEFB bioethanol and the high conductivity of seawater (49.87 mS/cm), thereby eliminating reliance on synthetic chemicals. The OPEFB underwent delignification (6% NaOH) and hydrolysis prior to fermentation. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed the successful bioconversion into crude bioethanol (39.84% relative peak area). Electrochemical evaluations using a Zn/Cu electrode configuration revealed that the delignification-based solution at an optimal 70:30 (bioethanol-to-seawater) mixture ratio generated a maximum power output of 0.84 mW. Significantly, this research provides a dual-solution approach: valorizing massive lignocellulosic waste while advancing eco-friendly energy storage. Practically, the formulated hybrid bio-battery is highly viable for ultra-low-power applications, demonstrably capable of continuously powering small Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for up to 24 hours and mini DC fans for 9 hours.
Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 12: Sustainable consumption and production
SDG 13: Climate Action
[1] A. S. Ramdana, A. S. Ballqis, Khairunnisa, Lazulva, And Yusbarina, “The Potential Of Bio-Battery Biomass As An Alternative Energy Source (Review Article),” International Conference Of Humanities And Social Science (Ichss), Pp. 317–327, 2022, Accessed: May 11, 2026. [Online]. Available: Https://Programdoktorpbiuns.Org/Index.Php/Proceedings/Article/View/163
[2] M. F. Praevia And W. Widayat, “Analisis Pemanfaatan Limbah Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit Sebagai Cofiring Pada Pltu Batubara,” Jurnal Energi Baru Dan Terbarukan, Vol. 3, No. 1, Pp. 28–37, Mar. 2022, Doi: 10.14710/Jebt.2022.13367.
[3] A. Nurannisa, , Andi Muhammad Irfan Taufan Asfar, And S. S. Dewi, “Diseminasi Olah Praktis Pada Ibu Pkk Dusun Kallimpo Dalam Pengolahan Limbah Kulit Pisang Menjadi Bio-Baterai,” Seminar Nasional Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, Vol. 3, 2021.
[4] S. M. Siregar, “Pengaruh Bahan Elektroda Terhadap Kelistrikan Belimbing Wuluh (Averrhoa Bilimbi) Sebagai Solusi Energi Alternatif Ramah Lingkungan,” Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Mipa, Vol. 2, No. 1, Pp. 166–173, 2017, Accessed: May 10, 2026. [Online]. Available: Https://Jurnal-Lp2m.Umnaw.Ac.Id/Index.Php/Jp2mipa/Article/View/143/136
[5] T. Kalak, “Potential Use Of Industrial Biomass Waste As A Sustainable Energy Source In The Future,” Energies (Basel)., Vol. 16, No. 4, P. 1783, Feb. 2023, Doi: 10.3390/En16041783.
[6] R. Nabila Et Al., “Oil Palm Biomass In Indonesia: Thermochemical Upgrading And Its Utilization,” Renewable And Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 176, P. 113193, Apr. 2023, Doi: 10.1016/J.Rser.2023.113193.
[7] R. Rusdianasari, I. Arissetyadhi, L. Kalsum, Y. Bow, A. Syarif, And F. Arifin, “Characterization Of Empty Fruit Bunch Of Palm Oil As Co-Firing Biomass Feedstock,” Ajarcde (Asian Journal Of Applied Research For Community Development And Empowerment), Vol. 7, No. 1, Pp. 74–78, Jan. 2023, Doi: 10.29165/Ajarcde.V7i1.237.
[8] Faturochman, G. Supriyanto, And H. Oktavianty, “Karakterisasi Bioetanol Dari Limbah Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit,” Biofoodtech?: Journal Of Bioenergy And Food Technology, Vol. 3, No. 1, Pp. 1–8, Jul. 2024, Doi: 10.55180/Biofoodtech.V3i1.1087.
[9] S. Rizky Amelia, M. Yerizam, And E. Dewi, “Analisis Karakteristik Pulp Campuran Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit Dan Pelepah Pisang Dengan Pelarut Naoh,” Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Teknologi Indonesia, Vol. 1, No. 10, Pp. 389–393, Oct. 2021, Doi: 10.52436/1.Jpti.91.
[10] T. R. Srinophakun And P. Suwajittanont, “Techno-Economic Analysis Of Bioethanol Production From Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch,” International Journal Of Technology, Vol. 13, No. 8, P. 1787, Dec. 2022, Doi: 10.14716/Ijtech.V13i8.6131.
[11] L. Arda Aprilia Et Al., “Karakterisasi Elektrolit Biobaterai Berbasis Kulit Nanas Dengan Nacl Sebagai Penguat Konduktivitas Dan Naoh Sebagai Pelarut,” Chemical Engineering Journal Storage, Vol. 5, No. 4, Pp. 649–664, 2025, Doi: 10.29103/Cejs.V5i4.23642.
[12] D. Wulandari, Rusdianasari, And M. Yerizam, “Characterization Biofuel From Empty Fruit Bunch Through Thermal Cracking,” International Journal Of Research In Vocational Studies (Ijrvocas), Vol. 2, No. 2, Pp. 15–22, Aug. 2022, Doi: 10.53893/Ijrvocas.V2i2.104.
[13] R. S. Kumar, A. Jain, N. K. Singh, And S. Ghosh, “Bioethanol Production From Mixed Sugars At A Semi-Pilot Scale Through Two-Step Repeated Sequential Fermentation,” Fuel, Vol. 357, P. 130042, Feb. 2024, Doi: 10.1016/J.Fuel.2023.130042.
[14] C. Voidarou Et Al., “Fermentative Foods: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Potential Human Health Benefits And Public Health Issues,” Foods, Vol. 10, No. 1, P. 69, Dec. 2020, Doi: 10.3390/Foods10010069.
[15] R. Rusdianasari, A. Taqwa, A. Syarif, And Y. Bow, “Integrated Wastewater Processing Using Electrogoagulation Method Into Oxyhydrogen (Hho) For Renewable Energy,” Indonesian Journal Of Fundamental And Applied Chemistry, Vol. 9, No. 1, Pp. 48–54, Feb. 2024, Doi: 10.24845/Ijfac.V9.I1.48.
[16] N. V. Kanimozhi, S. Nagalakshmi, And M. Sukumar, “Microbial Fermentation Strategies For Enhancing Sensory And Nutritional Quality Of Plant-Based Protein Foods,” Food Wellness, Vol. 2, No. 1, P. 100046, Dec. 2026, Doi: 10.1016/J.Foodw.2026.100046.
[17] Y. Bow, . Rusdianasari, A. Meidinariasty, And M. Yori Pratama, “Effect Of Stainless Steel Duplex Electrode Size On Hydrogen Production Through Electrolysis Process,” Insticc, Jan. 2023, Pp. 393–397. Doi: 10.5220/0010946400003260.
[18] M. A. Nata Raharjo, A. F. Arifia, And K. Herlina, “Performance Analysis Of Bio-Batteries From Organic Waste For Alternative Electric Energy,” Journal Of Innovation In Applied Natural Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, Pp. 10–19, Jul. 2025, Doi: 10.58723/Jinas.V1i1.16.
[19] M. Z. Md. Zain Et Al., “Electrode Materials Application And Performance For Seawater Power Source,” Mater. Today Proc., Vol. 39, Pp. 1065–1070, 2021, Doi: 10.1016/J.Matpr.2020.06.063.
[20] I. W. Suriana, I. A. D. G. Antari, W. G. Ariastina, And I. N. Setiawan, “Journal Review: Potential Of Orange Peel, Fruit, And Vegetable Waste As An Environmentally Friendly Electrolyte Source For Bio-Batteries,” Journal La Lifesci, Vol. 6, No. 4, Pp. 327–339, Oct. 2025, Doi: 10.37899/Journallalifesci.V6i4.2605.
[21] E. Derman, R. Abdulla, H. Marbawi, And M. K. Sabullah, “Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches As A Promising Feedstock For Bioethanol Production In Malaysia,” Renew. Energy, Vol. 129, Pp. 285–298, Dec. 2018, Doi: 10.1016/J.Renene.2018.06.003.
[22] Z. Djafar, Hisbullah, D. N. Basir, And W. H. Piarah, “Potential Of Seawater As A Source Of Electrical Energy Based On Electrochemical - Voltaic Cells,” 2023, P. 020001. Doi: 10.1063/5.0126051.
[23] P. Takarani, Yeheskel, D. Kalapadang, And Mardiah, “Pembuatan Baterai Seng Udara Dan Uji Performansi Dengan Perangkat Arduino,” Prosiding Seminar Nasional Teknologi V, Vol. 2, No. 1, Oct. 2019.
[24] D. S, J. K. George, N. J. Gomez, S. Sreedharan, And U. N, “A Comparative Study Of Fruit Battery Voltages With Different Types Of Fruits Using Different Electrode Combinations,” International Journal Of Advanced Research In Science, Communication And Technology, Pp. 258–263, Apr. 2021, Doi: 10.48175/Ijarsct-1014.
[25] R. Rusdianasari, A. Taqwa, A. Syarif, And Y. Bow, “Integrated Wastewater Processing Using Electrogoagulation Method Into Oxyhydrogen (Hho) For Renewable Energy,” Indonesian Journal Of Fundamental And Applied Chemistry, Vol. 9, No. 1, Pp. 48–54, Feb. 2024, Doi: 10.24845/Ijfac.V9.I1.48.
[26] R. A. Rafil, “Direction Flow (Dc) Electricity Production Through The Utilization Of Stone Banana Leather Waste (Musa Balbisiana) To Be An Environmentally Friendly Battery,” Journal Of Renewable Energy And Mechanics, Vol. 4, No. 01, Pp. 32–46, Feb. 2021, Doi: 10.25299/Rem.2021.Vol4.No01.6006.
[27] Z. Hussain Et Al., “Construction Of Rechargeable Bio-Battery Cells From Electroactive Antioxidants Extracted From Wasted Vegetables,” Clean. Eng. Technol., Vol. 5, P. 100342, Dec. 2021, Doi: 10.1016/J.Clet.2021.100342.
[28] T. Jaya Saputra, U. M. Fadli, And A. Basith, “Analisis Konduktivitas Listrik Pada Kitosan Dari Limbah Rajungan Di Paciran Sebagai Bahan Elektrolit Pada Bio-Baterai,” Jurnal Rekayasa Energi, Vol. 2, No. 1, Pp. 19–25, Jun. 2023, Doi: 10.31884/Jre.V2i1.29.
[29] L. A. D. Meiliyadi, I. Damayanti, And A. Syuzita, “Characteristic Of Ceremai Fruit Electrical Properties As Electrolyte Solution In Galvanic Cells,” Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Ipa, Vol. 9, No. 2, Pp. 478–484, Feb. 2023, Doi: 10.29303/Jppipa.V9i2.1880.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.