Data underlying the publication: Analogies of graphene oxide synthesized from low-ranked leonardite coal extracted bio-carbon humic acid with conventional graphene oxide

This study investigates humic acid [HA] derived from low ranked leonardite coal [LC] as an eco-friendly carbon precursor for graphene oxide synthesis, replacing conventional graphite with the modified Hummer’s method. The objective is to assess the physicochemical properties of leonardite humic acid [LHA]-derived graphene oxide compared to commercially available graphene oxide [CGO]. A comprehensive set of analytical techniques, including XPS, XRD, FTIR, Raman, SEM, and TGA have been taken to characterize the above systematically. GO synthesized from leonardite humic acid shows structural and morphological similarities to conventional graphite oxide, including thin sheets, surface wrinkles, and defects. Both materials consist of carbon sheets with oxygen-containing functional groups, such as epoxy, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups. Analysis confirms the successful transformation of LHA into GO, revealing a highly ordered, graphene-like carbon structure. This method emphasizes environmental benefits by turning waste into wealth, reducing resource extraction, and minimizing ecological impact.