Dr. Januar Widakdo from Universitas Indonesia shared his research on graphene-based membrane technology at ICOBAR – FIDI Joint Scientific Forum Day 2.

Dr. Januar Widakdo from Universitas Indonesia shared his research on graphene-based membrane technology.At ICOBAR – FIDI Joint Scientific Forum 2025 Day 2, Dr. Januar Widakdo from Universitas Indonesia delivered an engaging presentation on the role of membrane technology in addressing global environmental challenges. His research, conducted in collaboration with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, focuses on developing advanced materials capable of filtering pollutants, capturing carbon dioxide, and even generating energy.

Dr. Januar explained that his team works with graphene-based membranes, inspired by natural systems such as human skin. These materials are designed to be multifunctional—able to purify water, reduce industrial pollutants, and harness piezoelectric properties to generate electricity.

“Indonesia, as an archipelagic nation, needs practical solutions for clean water and renewable energy,” he said, noting how these graphene-based membranes could be deployed like large carpets in seawater to produce potable water while simultaneously generating power.

The innovative research has already gained recognition, with his team receiving awards in advanced technology competitions. Beyond water purification, Dr. Januar also highlighted potential applications in everyday life, such as embedding the materials into shoes or t-shirts to generate electricity from movement—turning human activity into a source of renewable energy.

In concluding his talk, Dr. Januar emphasized that while the work is still at the laboratory scale, it holds significant potential for industrial applications and academic collaborations. He warmly invited other researchers to connect and explore opportunities to further advance the technology.

During the discussion session, Dr. Januar was asked about his choice of using PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) in combination with graphene. He explained:

“PVDF has favorable physical properties—flexibility and durability—as well as three phases: alpha, beta, and gamma. Pristine PVDF is non-conductive because it only has the alpha phase. By combining it with graphene, we can induce a conversion from alpha to beta phase, which is conductive. Graphene not only enhances conductivity but also strengthens the material, improving its sensitivity and performance.”

This insight underlined the depth of materials science behind his work, showcasing how careful engineering at the molecular level can enable groundbreaking innovations for sustainability.

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