Surface analysis of rayon-based carbon nanofibers and activated carbon fibers

Abstract

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are non-microporous materials with a high surface area (100~200 m2/g) and high purity. Therefore, the material has a high potential for use as catalyst support. Activated carbonfibers (ACFs) are of increasing concern with regard to the levels of toxic air pollutants emitted from high-technology industry. Rayon-based CNFs and ACFs was subjected to thermal oxidation under a wide varietyof temperature and air conditions to modify the surface properties. Rayon-based CNFs and ACFs were preparedby using thermal chemistry. CNFs were synthesized at temperatures above 600oC in an air atmosphere andgrew with increased temperature and air conditions. After heating at 800oC for 72 hr, carbonized rayon withACFs had 2,662 m2/g (BET) of surface area and 1.41 cm3/g of pore volume. The resulting ACFs had a 99 %surface area in which pore size was 10 nm or less, and a 60 % surface area in which pore size was 2 nm or less.