Dwi Febriantini, a student in the Chemistry Doctoral Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), officially received her doctorate with Cum Laude honors. In the Open Doctoral Promotion Session held on Wednesday (2/7) at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, FMIPA UI Depok, Dr. Dwi presented her dissertation entitled “Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of ZrO₂ Nanoparticles, Their Functionalization into ZrO₂@SiO₂–BF₃, and Their Application in the Production of Water-Emulsion Breaking Compounds in Petroleum.”

“This dissertation addresses one of the major challenges in the oil and gas industry: the separation of water from crude oil, which has historically relied on imported synthetic chemicals. Through a sustainable scientific approach, we developed an emulsion-breaking catalyst and surfactant based on the leaves of the parang romang plant, a plant native to eastern Indonesia,” said Dr. Dwi in his presentation.

This research has successfully produced catalyst nanoparticles that can separate water-oil emulsions up to 100 percent under optimal conditions at a temperature of 45°C and a concentration of 75 ppm. This technology is not only effective and efficient, but also affordable, environmentally friendly, and based on local natural materials, making it an innovative solution for the national energy sector.

This open session was led by Prof. Dede Djuhana, M.Si., Ph.D., Dean of FMIPA UI, with Prof. Dr. Yoki Yulizar, S.Si., M.Sc., Professor of the Department of Chemistry, FMIPA UI, as Promoter, and Dr. Eng. Usman, M.Si., Lead Specialist III Downstream Research PT Pertamina (Persero), as Co-Promoter.

The problem of oil-water emulsions is a classic challenge in the oil and gas sector. Mined crude oil is often mixed with water, forming an emulsion that is difficult to separate. Conventional separation processes use specialized chemicals, most of which are still imported. Dr. Dwi’s research technology has the potential to reduce dependence on imported chemicals, lower production costs, and pave the way for the development of a green chemical industry based on local resources.

“The parang romang leaves used in this research thrive in eastern Indonesia. If this technology is widely adopted, local communities can be involved in the raw material supply chain, creating new jobs in the upstream sector, and increasing the economic value of local plants,” he added.

This plant-based emulsion-breaking technology is also considered to support Indonesia’s commitment to a clean energy transition and a reduced carbon footprint. By reducing the use of synthetic chemicals and environmentally unfriendly industrial processes, this innovation strengthens Indonesia’s path toward sustainable energy.

“Sister Dwi Febriantini has shown how science can be a tool of transformation for national independence,” said Prof. Dr. Yoki Yulizar.

“The results of this research not only represent a new face of university research rooted in local areas, but also have national and even global impact,” he added.

In closing the session, Dr. Eng. Usman stated, “This technology can serve as a model for integrating science, the environment, and the people’s economy. Hopefully, the results of this research can be further developed, entered the industry, and become a source of national pride.”