Synthesis of Silica Gel From Rice Husk Ash for Sustainable Air Conditioning Requirements

Authors

  • Syahbardia Diponegoro University
  • Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono Diponegoro University
  • Sonny Handojo Winoto Diponegoro University
  • Mohamad Said Kartono Tony Suryo Diponegoro University
  • Dedi Lazuardi Pasundan University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26877/asset.v7i4.1944

Keywords:

desiccant, rice husk ash, silica gel, adsorption, air conditioning, Sustainable /Renewable

Abstract

An increase in air conditioning demand, driven by global warming and the need for comfort, highlights the importance of energy-efficient systems like desiccant cooling. This research explores using rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural waste product from Indonesia, to synthesize silica gel for these systems. The study involved synthesizing silica gel from RHA through chemical processes and comparing its sorption capacity to commercial silica gel. Two synthesis methods were tested: a direct reaction of water glass with acid compounds and an impregnation process on honeycomb walls. The results indicate that the direct reaction method produces a silica gel with better pore performance. Ultimately, the study found that RHA from West Java, Indonesia, is a viable raw material for desiccant air conditioning, although its sorption capacity is slightly lower than that of commercial silica gel. This offers a valuable use for agricultural waste.

Author Biographies

  • Syahbardia, Diponegoro University

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais, Tembalang, Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pasundan University, Jl. Tamansari No.6-8, Tamansari, Bandung 40116, West Java, Indonesia

  • Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono, Diponegoro University

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais, Tembalang, Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Sonny Handojo Winoto, Diponegoro University

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais, Tembalang, Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Mohamad Said Kartono Tony Suryo, Diponegoro University

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Jacub Rais, Tembalang, Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Dedi Lazuardi, Pasundan University

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pasundan University, Jl. Tamansari No.6-8, Tamansari, Bandung 40116, West Java, Indonesia

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Published

2025-10-09