Lignin-derived carbon fibers were obtained by melt-processing of powder lignin followed by thermal treatment.  The small angle x-ray scattering data on carbonized filaments yield pore widths within 5 - 20 � that are close to data from adsorption experiments. However, the fibers exhibit a broad (002) wide angle x-ray diffraction peak indicating poor graphitic order and low mechanical properties. Long-range structural order similar to the commercial carbon fibers is desired for enhanced performance; otherwise, lignin-derived carbon fibers will find non-structural applications such as sorbent and high surface area electrically conductive substrate. For the second applications, controlled nanoscale pore widths are being synthesized in lignin-derived carbon.

Microstructures of lignin-derived carbon fibers

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.