Synthesis of Turbostratic Graphene Derived from Biomass Waste Using Long Pulse Joule Heating Technique
Sukasem Watcharamaisakul, Nisa Janphuang, Warisara Chueangam, Kriettisak Srisom, Anuchit Rueangwittayanon, Ukit Rittihong, Sarayut Tunmee, Narong Chanlek, Peerapol Pornsetmetakul, Warodom Wirojsirasak, Nantida Watanarojanaporn, Kampon Ruethaivanich, Pattanaphong Janphuang
Abstract
This study addresses the challenge of the scalable, cost-effective synthesis of high-quality turbostratic graphene from low-cost carbon sources, including biomass waste such as sugarcane leaves, bagasse, corncobs, and palm bunches, using the Direct Current Long Pulse Joule Heating (DC-LPJH) technique. By optimizing the carbonization process and blending biomass-derived carbon with carbon black and turbostratic graphene, the gram-scale production of turbostratic graphene was achieved in just a few seconds. The synthesis process involved applying an 18 kJ electrical energy pulse for 1.5 s, resulting in temperatures of approximately 3000 K that facilitated the transformation of the carbon atoms into well-ordered turbostratic graphene. Structural and morphological characterization via Raman spectroscopy revealed low-intensity or absent D bands, with a high I2D/IG ratio (~0.8–1.2), indicating monolayer turbostratic graphene formation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) identified sp2-hybridized carbon and oxygenated functional groups, while NEXAFS spectroscopy confirmed the presence of graphitic features and both sp2 and sp3 bonding states. Energy consumption calculations for the DC-LPJH process demonstrated approximately 10 kJ per gram, demonstrating the potential for cost-effective production. This work presents an efficient approach for producing high-quality turbostratic graphene from low-cost carbon sources, with applications in enhancing the properties of composites, polymers, and building materials.