Catalytic graphitization is a convenient technique for enhancing the crystallinity of carbon using transition metals such as iron, cobalt, and nickel at relatively low temperatures. In this work, we investigated the effects of nickel catalyst on the carbonization and graphitization characteristics of B. mori silk fibroin fibers. Silk fibroin fibers and nickel catalyst-induced silk fibroin carbon fibers were carbonized at 800 oC in a tubular furnace under nitrogen flow using a multi-step carbonization process. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the formation of nitrogen�enriched carbon with pyridinic and pyrrolic functional groups was confirmed, which could efficiently anchor and stabilize metal precursors after the carbonization of silk fibroin. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the catalytic effect of nickel in the carbonization process in promoting graphitization at a low temperature.

Catalytic graphitization of B. <i>mori</i> silk fibroin fibers with nickel

244th National Meeting (2012)

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Catalytic graphitization of B. mori silk fibroin fibers with nickel