Electro-conductivity and nanostructure of wood carbon prepared by nickel-catalyzed carbonization at 900°C

Abstract

Wood carbon prepared by nickel-catalyzed carbonization at 900°C followed by washing with acid for removal of the metal was oxidized in a muffle furnace at 480°C. This eliminated the amorphous region selectively, and the residual carbon became superior to a commercial electro-conductive carbon, Denka black, in the performance. Observations by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy disclosed that the crystallite region in the original wood carbon had a novel graphitic nanostructure. It is noted that such a uniquely morphological graphitic carbon can be inexpensively and easily produced from woody biomass.