Effect of the graphite electrode material on the characteristics of molten salt electrolytically produced carbon nanomaterials
The electrochemical erosion of a graphite cathode during the electrolysis of molten lithium chloride salt may be used for the preparation of nano-structured carbon materials. It has been found that the structures and morphologies of these carbon nanomaterials are dependent on those of the graphite cathodes employed. A combination of tubular and spherical carbon nanostructures has been produced from a graphite with a microstructure of predominantly planar micro-sized grains and a minor fraction of more irregular nano-sized grains, whilst only spherical carbon nanostructures have been produced from a graphite with a microstructure of primarily nano-sized grains. Based on the experimental results, a best-fit regression equation is proposed that relates the crystalline domain size of the graphite reactants and the carbon products. The carbon nanomaterials prepared possess a fairly uniform mesoporosity with a sharp peak in pore size distribution at around 4 nm. The results are of crucial importance to the production of carbon nanomaterials by way of the molten salt electrolytic method. - Highlights: {yields} Carbon nanomaterials are synthesised by LiCl electrolysis with graphite electrodes. {yields} The degree of crystallinity of graphite reactant and carbon product are related. {yields} A graphite reactant is identified that enables the preparation of carbon nanotubes. {yields} The carbon products possess uniform mesoporosity with narrow pore size distribution.
- OSTI ID:
- 22066341
- Journal Information:
- Materials Characterization, Journal Name: Materials Characterization Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 62; ISSN 1044-5803; ISSN MACHEX
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Protection of graphite from salt and gas permeation in molten salt reactors
Related Subjects
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
CATHODES
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
ELECTROLYSIS
EROSION
GRAPHITE
LITHIUM CHLORIDES
MICROSTRUCTURE
MOLTEN SALTS
MORPHOLOGY
NANOTUBES
PARTICLES
POROSITY
POROUS MATERIALS
SPHERICAL CONFIGURATION