Two Chemical Engineering students from the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) have successfully brought home the 3rd Place award at the Appropriate Technology Innovation (TTG) Competition held at the Balikpapan Utara District level. The competition, organized by the Balikpapan Utara District Government, was a platform for community-based technological innovations that offer real-world impact and sustainability. 

Representing ITK were Thalia Winda Sari (Class of 2021, NIM 05211084) and Hizkia Gunawan Parulian Sianturi (Class of 2022, NIM 05221084), who showcased their innovation titled SCANOT (Supercapacitor Carbon Nanotube), a green energy solution designed for household applications. 

The students' motivation to join the competition stemmed from the alignment between the competition theme and their ongoing research. According to Thalia, “The topic of the competition fits perfectly with what we’ve been working on. We saw this as a great opportunity to apply our research in a more practical, real-world setting.”
 
To prepare for the event, the team developed a comprehensive proposal, refined a presentation deck, practiced their pitch, and prepared a working prototype of the SCANOT system for on-site demonstration.

SCANOT: Eco-Friendly Supercapacitor for Household Electronics

SCANOT is a supercapacitor innovation based on Carbon Nanotube (CNT) technology. It is designed to be integrated into common household electronics such as refrigerators, fans, and other appliances that require capacitors for energy regulation and storage.
 
Carbon Nanotubes, or CNTs, are nanoscale cylindrical structures made of graphene sheets, known for their exceptional mechanical strength, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and chemical versatility. Their unique properties make them ideal for various applications, including electronics, energy storage, and composite materials.
 
What sets SCANOT apart is its eco-conscious approach to CNT synthesis. The project emphasizes the use of sustainable raw materials, low-energy production methods, and waste minimization. The team utilized organic and plastic waste, such as coconut shells, corn husks, used cooking oil, and biomass, as carbon sources through pyrolysis or catalytic reforming. They applied techniques such as biomass-based Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Plasma Enhanced CVD (PECVD) powered by renewable energy sources.
 
Additionally, the use of eco-friendly metal catalysts such as iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co) helps reduce toxic waste compared to traditional heavy metal-based catalysts. This makes the CNT production process not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.

The SCANOT project reflects ITK students' capability to bring academic research into impactful, real-world innovations. With strong support from ITK faculty and research advisors, Thalia and Hizkia demonstrated that student-led projects can meaningfully contribute to solving community and environmental challenges.
 
Their success at the TTG competition is a testament to the quality of education and research culture at ITK, encouraging other students to pursue innovation with purpose and sustainability at its core.

Winning 3rd place in the TTG District Competition not only marks a proud achievement for the team but also highlights the potential of youth-driven green technologies. SCANOT is a clear example that innovation born in classrooms and labs can have real, tangible impact, addressing both household energy needs and environmental concerns.
 
From research to community impact, this achievement affirms that ITK students are not just learners—but changemakers for a sustainable future.