(162aj) From Biowaste Originated Nano SiO2 to Biogenic Graphite – from Scratch to High Value Product

Carbon is a is a fascinating element enabling production of variable compounds and composite structures for different application. Synthesis of high value and profitable graphitic carbon materials from biomass-based feedstock remains challenging. In our recent studies, we have developed synthesis procedure to synthesize nanosized graphitic carbon structures from nSiC/C composite. All the starting materials were biomass-originated. nSiC/C composite was synthesized from nanostructured SiO2 obtained from agricultural side stream barley husk, and sucrose through magnesiothermic reduction. nSiC/C, composing of 3C- and 2H- polytypes, was converted to the graphitic carbon structure through Si sublimation at 2400 °C and atmospheric pressure. Graphitic carbon structures composed of spherically shaped particles 50-500 nm in size and sheet structures. The analysis of the electrochemical properties of the synthesized graphene-like carbon structures were comparable to the electrochemical properties of the graphite. and the rate capability analysis showed good reversibility of the specific capacity.

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