Separation of coiled carbon fibers from an alumina support by microwave-assisted digestion or sonication

► Separation of coiled carbon fibers from the alumina catalyst supports they form on. ► Microwave-assisted acid or base digestion and sonication were investigated. ► Improvement from 34-49 to >96 wt.% carbon with microwave-assisted acid digestion. ► Negligible changes to morphology, bulk structure and functionalization.