Electroconductivity of Softwood and Hardwood Carbons Prepared by Nickel- and Iron-catalyzed Carbonizations

Crystallized mesoporous carbon (CMC) prepared by carbonization of softwood (S) and hardwood (H) with 2 wt % nickel and 3 wt % iron were washed with acid, mixed with cornstarch as matrix, and then molded into disk specimens for evaluating electro- conductivity. H-derived CMC had higher filler ability than the corresponding S-derived one irrespective of metal species. This can be understood by higher mesoporosity with probably better dispersion in the matrix for the former. CMC derived from iron-loaded H was comparable to Ketjenblack, excellent conductive carbon in the filler ability. Thus combination of H with iron was the most favorable for this purpose.