Biomorphic SiC from lotus root

Biomorphic silicon carbide (bioSiC) with macro-channels and alveolate micropores was prepared by spontaneous infiltration of melted silicon into a carbon template derived from lotus root at 1600 °C. The carbon template and purified bioSiC samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, camera and mercury intrusion. The results suggest that the bioSiC mainly consists of β-SiC and perfectly replicates the shape and microstructure of the carbon template. The bioSiC has a mean pore diameter of 91.1 μm and a porosity of 50.1%, both similar to those of the carbon template, 92.3 μm and 50.7%, respectively.