Rapid Graphitization of Biomass Using Intensive Joule Heating

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Graphite plays an essential role in energy storage and electrochemical applications; however, the reliance on mining and petroleum-derived precursors in conventional graphite manufacturing presents environmental and economic challenges. Biomass offers a renewable and widely available alternative feedstock for synthetic graphite production. In this study, we explore the graphitization of cellulose as a model biomass precursor, focusing on how graphitization heating conditions influence microstructural evolution and electrochemical behavior. Using rapid Joule heating and conventional thermal treatments, we characterize the resulting biocarbon materials with respect to their crystallinity, grain size, and morphology. Electrochemical testing reveals that heating rate and duration significantly impact capacity retention and rate performance, with faster heating producing smaller grain sizes and improved high-rate capabilities. These findings demonstrate a direct link between processing conditions and electrochemical performance, highlighting biomass-derived graphite as a viable pathway toward distributed graphite production.