Production of Functional Carbon by Iron-Catalyzed Carbonization of Biomass - Effect of Washing with Acid Followed by Atmospheric Oxidation on the Electroconductivity of Crystallized Mesoporous Wood Carbon

Crystallized mesoporous wood carbon prepared at 850°C via two steps iron-catalyzed carbonization was washed with acid and then oxidized in air at 420°C for removal of iron and elimination of amorphous portion, respectively. The resulting carbon composed of graphitic nano-shell chains (GNSC) was equal or superior to highly electroconductive carbon, Ketjen black, in the ability as filler. The unique morphology of GNSC was featured by adequate crystallization and well developed mesoporosity in terms of the conductivity to achieve high dispersion in the matrix. Measurement of the quasi-inherent conductivity made in this connection disclosed the higher aptitude for this unusual wood-derived carbon than for Ketjen black.