Semarang, September 16, 2025 — The Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Diponegoro University successfully held an International Guest Lecture featuring the distinguished speaker Prof. Dr. Suriani Abu Bakar from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia.
The event was conducted online and attended by students and lecturers from the Physics Study Program at FSM Undip as well as participants from other institutions. The lecture carried an engaging topic entitled “Recent Development of Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene and its Hybrid Conductive Inks for Printed Electronics Applications.”
In this lecture, Prof. Suriani discussed the latest developments in graphene synthesis through electrochemical exfoliation, along with the application of graphene-based hybrid conductive inks for printed electronics. The technology she presented offers innovative solutions for the electronics industry, which demands eco-friendly, cost-effective, and high-performance conductive materials.
Prof. Dr. Suriani explained the principles of electrochemically exfoliated graphene synthesis.
The electrochemical exfoliation method is a “top-down” technique, where graphite serves as an electrode in an electrochemical cell containing an electrolyte solution (e.g., H₂SO₄, H₂C₂O₄, K₂SO₄, ammonium persulfate).
When an electric voltage is applied, ions from the electrolyte intercalate between the graphite layers. This intercalation process leads to the exfoliation or separation of graphite layers, forming graphene.
The main mechanism involves ion intercalation:
Ions from the electrolyte enter the interlayer space of graphite under the influence of an electric field.
Reactions at the electrode generate gases (such as SO₂) between graphite layers, causing expansion and separation into graphene sheets.
Controlled oxidation introduces functional groups on the graphene surface, tailoring it for specific applications such as sensors or conductive inks.
Some advantages of the electrochemical exfoliation method include:
• Simple and straightforward — it requires only graphite, an electrolyte solution, and a power source without complex equipment.
• Environmentally friendly — this method avoids the use of hazardous reagents and is considered “greener” compared to traditional chemical methods such as the Hummer’s process.
• Short reaction time.
• High-quality graphene with minimal defects and excellent electrical conductivity, suitable for electronics, sensors, and battery electrodes.
• Customizable functionality through electrode configuration and reaction control, enabling nitrogen or oxygen doping for composite or catalytic applications.
Through Prof. Suriani’s presentation, participants—especially students—gained valuable insight into effective graphene synthesis processes, the role of hybrid materials in enhancing the conductivity of printed inks, and their applications in sensors, wearable devices, and future IoT circuits.
The discussion also explored current research trends, industrial implementation challenges, and prospects for interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of graphene and conductive ink technologies.
The guest lecture was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Heri Sutanto, a faculty member of the Department of Physics, FSM Diponegoro University, who specializes in materials physics.
Through this event, the Department of Physics, FSM Undip reaffirmed its commitment to continuously organizing international academic activities that enrich the knowledge of students and lecturers, strengthen global research collaboration, and enhance the quality of education and research in the field of materials physics and its applications.