Clean Energy Innovation From Kaliandra Leaves Becomes An Environmental Friendly Solution For UI Researcher's Work

Illustration of Kamudra leaves. (Shutterstock)

JAKARTA - The red Kaliandra leaf (Calliandra calothyrsus) is often considered a wild plant that grows on the side of the road or the yard is not taken care of. But who would have thought, this leaf has great potential as a natural ingredient to support the development of clean energy.

Kaliandra leaves are known to be rich in active compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which can be utilized in various applications, including as basic ingredients for making environmentally friendly additives for fuel.

Through research conducted by Indah Kurniawaty, researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia (UI), the red Kalianda leaves were successfully processed into metal nanoparticles-based additives to improve the performance of environmentally friendly fuels.

"We conducted this in-depth research at the FMIPA UI Nano and Interfacial Chemistry (NIC) Laboratory, and involved Pertamina Laboratory as part of the collaboration," said Indah at the UI campus, Depok, Wednesday.

In her dissertation, Indah explained that the additive was synthesized using the red Kaliandra leaf extract obtained from the Biofarmaka IPB Garden in Bogor. The natural leaf content is used to produce metal oxide nanoparticles such as magnesium oxide (MgO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4).

This metal oxide additive is then mixed into a mixture of gasoline and ethanol (PE10) fuel with the main aim of increasing fuel stability, improving combustion performance, and preventing corrosion in the engine.

Although ethanol is known as an environmentally friendly fuel, its use still has challenges, such as high oxidation risk and the potential to cause corrosion. With the addition of Kalimandra-based additives, the problem was significantly reduced.

The trial results show that the PE10, which is additively given from Kaliandra leaves, becomes much more stable in storage, is not easily damaged, and provides shelter against carat, "explained Indah.

He also mentioned that fuel burning is becoming more perfect. This is indicated by the increase in levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) 'perfect combustion indicators' as well as the decline in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions known as harmful pollutants.

Through this research, I want to show that sustainable energy solutions can come from local biological wealth. We don't have to rely on expensive technology or chemicals that damage the environment," said Indah.

For her scientific achievements, Indah Kurniawaty won a Chemical Science Doctor's degree on July 23, 2025, with a very satisfying title and a 3.96 GPA. Her dissertation entitled Increased Gasoline-Etanol Mixed Fuel Performance Using the Synthesis of MgAl2O4 Aditif Through the Green Synthesis Method from the Calliandra Calothyrsus Leaf Extract' is a clear proof that green innovation from local resources is very likely to be realized.