SEM-EDX Characterization of Fe₂O₃/Graphene: Microstructural Comparison of Non-Sintered and Sintered Samples for Biomass Catalyst

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia
² Diploma Program of Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

¹ Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The development of metal-oxide-based materials as catalysts for biomass conversion into bioenergy is essential to enhance reaction efficiency and operational stability. Iron (III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) possesses favorable redox properties, while graphene provides high electrical conductivity and large surface area, making their combination a promising catalytic system. This study aimed to compare the microstructure and elemental composition of Fe₂O₃/graphene composites prepared under non-sintered and sintered conditions as a preliminary step toward a biomass catalyst. The composites were synthesized by co-precipitation methods and processed in two conditions: without sintering and with sintering at 600 °C and 700 °C for 1 h. Surface morphology and elemental distribution were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results reveal that sintering produced a more homogeneous surface, controlled porosity, and a more uniform distribution of Fe and C compared with the non-sintered sample. Quantitative EDX analysis indicated increased oxygen content and stabilization of the hematite phase at higher sintering temperatures, supporting the formation of active catalytic sites. These findings confirm that optimizing the sintering temperature plays a critical role in improving the microstructural quality of Fe₂O₃/graphene composites and highlight their potential as catalytic materials for biomass conversion and sustainable bioenergy applications.