Fabrication of Graphitic Carbon Spheres via a Hydrothermal Carbonization Combined Catalytic Graphitization Method Using Cobalt as Catalysts

Abstract

Graphitic carbon spheres (GCS) with an average diameter of 1.6 μm were prepared via a hydrothermal carbonization combined catalytic graphitization method using glucose as carbon source and cobalt nitrate as catalyst precursor. The as-prepared GCS were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the optimal weight ratio of Co catalyst for graphitization of amorphous carbonaceous spheres was 2.0 wt%, and the optimal temperature and dwelling time required for graphitization were respectively 1100 °C and 3 h.