Iron-catalyzed graphitization of biomass. Issue 1 (23rd October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, E.; Danks, A. E.; Bourgeois, L.; Schnepp, Z.
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 17:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 551
• Page End: 556
• Publication Date: 2014-10-23
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/c4gc01673d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : Nanostructured graphitic carbon with tunable mesoporosity is synthesized in one step from raw biomass. Abstract : This paper reports the direct transformation of raw lignocellulosic biomass into nanostructured graphitic carbon in a single step. Catalytic iron carbide nanoparticles are generated in situ by thermal decomposition of absorbed iron nitrate followed by carbothermal reduction. The Fe3 C particles then etch through the biomass to generate intertwined graphitic tubules through catalytic graphitization. The materials are mesoporous with the pore size dependant on the iron content. Conversion of raw biomass into stable graphitic carbon at relatively low temperatures (800 °C) offers a promising route to large-scale and sustainable synthesis of carbons for electrode or filtration applications. This facile method can also be used to produce nanocomposites of Fe3 C/graphite combined with nanoparticles of metal oxides such as CaO or MgO, again from a one-pot precursor, giving potential for a wide range of applications.