The role of turmeric and bicnat on hydrogen production in porous tofu waste suspension electrolysis

So far, tofu waste application as an electrocatalyst support requires carbonization. This study aims to evaluate porous tofu waste performance as an organic catalyst support without carbonization. The pre-treated tofu waste suspension by acidification using organic oxalic acid was electrolyzed in water solution. Elemental, phase, and morphology characterizations were also performed on tofu waste, supported by digital imaging of tofu waste revealing mesopores and macropores on its structure. The pore area size ranging from 43 to 935 nm² has been activated by turmeric, thereby increasing the adsorption rate around tofu waste. Methoxyphenyl as an electron donor phenolic compound of turmeric behaves as an ORR agent. Bicnat addition, alkalizing liquid parts of tofu waste suspension, helps to loosen the bonds in water molecules. Pore activation by turmeric and bicnat carbonation synergetically destabilizes water molecule to increase hydrogen production 3-fold. This result is very favorable for converting waste into an alternative energy source.