Evolution of biomass to porous graphite carbon by catalytic graphitization

The generation of porous graphitic carbon (PGC) by catalytic graphitization of biomass has been widely studied and the growth evolution mechanism needs to be further investigated. This study investigated the direct growth of PGC through sugarcane bagasse and microcrystalline cellulose as raw materials. Structural analyses by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory and Raman spectroscopy showed a significant improvement in graphitic structure. The SBET of PGC derived from sugarcane bagasse at 1000 °C for 1 h with 5 mmol Fe was 311 m2 g−1, and I2D/ID ratio was 0.553. The effect of growth parameters on the qualities of PGC was investigated by transition state theory and chemical reaction rate curves, and the growth mechanism of PGC was elucidated. Results showed that the biomass carbon sources evolve first from small molecule substances to graphene oxide and then to PGC under appropriate conditions. This study provided a comprehensive strategy for the rational and effective preparation of PGC and opened a clear pathway for the low-cost synthesis of graphitic carbon materials.