| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1571699 | Materials Characterization | 2011 | 8 Pages |
The electrochemical erosion of a graphite cathode during the electrolysis of molten lithium chloride salt may be used for the preparation of nano-structured carbon materials. It has been found that the structures and morphologies of these carbon nanomaterials are dependent on those of the graphite cathodes employed. A combination of tubular and spherical carbon nanostructures has been produced from a graphite with a microstructure of predominantly planar micro-sized grains and a minor fraction of more irregular nano-sized grains, whilst only spherical carbon nanostructures have been produced from a graphite with a microstructure of primarily nano-sized grains. Based on the experimental results, a best-fit regression equation is proposed that relates the crystalline domain size of the graphite reactants and the carbon products. The carbon nanomaterials prepared possess a fairly uniform mesoporosity with a sharp peak in pore size distribution at around 4 nm. The results are of crucial importance to the production of carbon nanomaterials by way of the molten salt electrolytic method.
► Carbon nanomaterials are synthesised by LiCl electrolysis with graphite electrodes. ► The degree of crystallinity of graphite reactant and carbon product are related. ► A graphite reactant is identified that enables the preparation of carbon nanotubes. ► The carbon products possess uniform mesoporosity with narrow pore size distribution.
