Catalytically transformed low energy intensive 2D-layered and single crystal-graphitic renewable carbon cathode conductors

Abstract

This is the first study of the catalytic graphitization of Black Spruce (Picea mariana) which has successfully discovered the formation of single crystal graphitic carbon structures with a very high conductivity over 850 S/m implemented in the cathode of a coin cell battery. Renewable carbon with this conductivity is suitable for use in bio-electronics, organic thin film transistors, fuel cells, organic batteries, supercapacitors and sensing device applications. The P. mariana was doped with iron nitrate nanoparticle precursor, and sequentially thermo-catalyzed in presence of helium at temperatures between 300 and 800 °C. Transmission electron micrographs reveal formation of graphitic structures with an interplanar distance of ∼0.33 nm resembling single crystal graphite structure. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies confirm the presence of nano-layered carbon, and the high conductivity was observed in Fe-free residual graphite. Thus, using iron nitrate as a catalyst promotes the formation of single crystal graphitic structures at a significantly reduced thermal energy than traditional pyrolysis treatment and opens a new frontier for sustainable bio-electronics and energy materials manufacturing.