High-temperature carbons from kraft lignin Original Research Article

High-temperature carbons have been prepared from kraft lignin on thermal treatment up to 3073 K. The structure of these high-temperature carbons has been studied by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The interlayer spacing obtained from XRD approaches the d002 value of graphite as the heat treatment temperature is increased. The (002) diffraction peak of the higher temperature carbons shows a modulated profile, which has been attributed to the presence of both graphitic or highly ordered carbon, and turbostratic or less ordered carbon. The average thickness of graphite-like crystallites evaluated from XRD increases with increasing heat treatment temperature.