Synthesis and formation mechanism of biomass-based mesoporous graphitic carbon

Abstract A general catalyzed carbonization approach was demonstrated to prepare mesoporous carbon with low-cost biomass waste. The effects of pyrolytic temperature, iron content, and biomass type on biochar were investigated. Additionally, the formation mechanism of the porous structure and the graphitic crystallite structure of biochar, derived from biomass pyrolysis with iron, were explored. Results showed that mesoporous graphitic carbon with broad pore size distribution was obtained at 700–800 °C via catalyzed carbonization. The degree of graphitization and pore volume could be changed by the addition of iron. Moreover, five types of biomass waste were selected as a carbon resource to demonstrate the applicability of the developed methodology. Our approach showed good adoptability for mesoporous graphitic carbon to agriculture and forestry waste transformation and is excellent for the utilization of biomass for bio-carbon-contained materials.