Electrochemical Graphitization: An Efficient Conversion of Amorphous Carbons to Nanostructured Graphites

Abstract This concept paper describes a new electrochemical method for the graphitization of amorphous carbons. The graphitization is achieved by a simple cathodic polarization of the carbons at merely ≈1100 K in molten CaCl 2 . This electrochemical process is applicable to both graphitizable and non‐graphitizable carbons, generating porous graphitic structures of high‐crystallinity nanosheets. The transformation of carbon blacks, microspheres, and fibers to porous graphites, hollow graphite spheres, and pipes with porous shells have been demonstrated and the potential graphitization mechanism discussed.