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In this study, electrochemical exfoliation method was adopted in the production of graphene oxide (GO). The electrolyte used was sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) aqueous solution at various concentrations from 0.001 to 1.0 M. The effect of SDS concentrations on the morphology of GO samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray, micro-Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy. As evident by the FESEM analysis, the concentration of SDS does give effect to the GO obtained in this study. The lowest GO production is given by the lowest concentration of SDS used which is 0.001 M. However, in term of ID/IGratio, the sample prepared at 0.001 M has the lowest value (0.33) as compared to the sample prepared with highest SDS concentration of 1.0 M (ID/IG~1.12). Meanwhile, the presence of absorbance peaks in the range of 224-237 nm from UV-Vis spectra analysis were seen for the whole samples and this indicate the formation of GO.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were successfully synthesized using waste cooking palm oil (WCPO) as precursor by modified double-stages thermal chemical vapor deposition set-up. The total amount of 30 ml WCPO precursor was consumed during the experiment with 5.33 wt% ferrocene as catalyst. Precursor volume of 2 ml was injected continuously for different time intervals of 5, 8, 10 and 12 minutes respectively. The effect of time interval between injections on the production of CNTs were systematically studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and current-voltage (I-V) measurement system. It was detected that the differences in time interval of injections resulted in different quality and diameter of CNTs produced. Sample produced at 10 minutes of time interval of injection gave the smallest tubes diameter in the range of 39.45-49.01 nm and good crystallinity of 0.69 ID/IG ratio. This sample also gave the best I-V characteristic with conductivity of 6.06 x 10-1 S/cm.

Zinc oxide/carbon nanotubes (ZnO/CNTs) nanocomposite has been widely studied in the last few years due to their remarkable properties and versatile applications. Various methods have been presented in order to enhance the excellent properties of ZnO/CNTs nanocomposite. Here we reviewed several synthesis methods including single- and multiple steps to fabricate the ZnO/CNTs nanocomposite and the potential application of the nanocomposite in field emission and solar cell devices.

Graphene is a remarkable material with high electron mobility, good mechanical strength and almost transparent. In this paper, we review the available methods which are chemical vapour deposition, Hummers and electrochemical exfoliation method for the production of graphene. Among the extensive studies in the application of graphene, supercapacitor has gained much attention nowadays. Therefore, we also briefly review the application of graphene as electrodes for the supercapacitor devices.

Research innovation in finding new carbon sources for carbon nanostructures material production was intensively done lately. In this review, we present the production of carbon nanostructures such as carbon fibers, nanotubes, nanowhiskers, microspheres and porous carbon from several waste materials. The benefit of the use of waste materials such as waste cooking palm oil, chicken fat, waste natural oil, glycerol, printed circuit board, plastic wastes, waste engine oil, scrap tyre, heavy oil residue and deoiled asphalt is not only in the term of their environmentally friendly approach but also the economic value to reduce the high cost of carbon material production using common sources. On the other hand, these materials are easy access sources and can be alternative utilization to convert waste materials into high value nanomaterials.

This paper reviews the mass production of carbon nanotubes via chemical vapor deposition method using conventional and bio-hydrocarbon precursors. Its applications in nanocomposite material and energy storage are also briefly reviewed.

Zn/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated by an anionic phenoxyherbicide guest, 3-(4-methoxypheny) propionate (MPP) were prepared by ion-exchange method. Power XRD and FTIR shows that the MPP phenoxyherbicide were successfully intercalated into the LDH interlayer. The basal spacing for Zn/Al layered double hydroxide-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) propionate nanocomposite (LDH-MPP) was 18.7 Å - 20.5 Å for 0.015 M, 0.025 M, and 0.050 M of MPP, respectively. Thermal analysis shows that the thermal stability of MPP was improved by the intercalation into the LDH interlayer. The results were also supported by elemental analysis and the surface morphology of this nanocomposite.

A new layered-double hydroxide-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate (LDH-HPP) has been synthesized by intercalation of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid (HPP) into Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) by ion-exchange method. PXRD, FTIR, TGA/DTG, compositional studies and FESEM were used to characterize the synthesized nanocomposite. The intercalation of HPP into the interlayer gallery space of LDH was characterized by x-ray diffractogram showed expanded basal spacing of the value of 17.1 Å. The FTIR spectra of LDH-HPP nanocomposite synthesis by 0.025M HPP resembled a mixture of both FTIR spectra of HPP and LDH. Thermal analysis of LDH-HPP nanocomposite shows a better thermal stability as compared to the pure HPP, which proved that the intercalation of HPP into LDH interlayer enhanced the thermal stability of the HPP.