Porosity and crystallinity dynamics of carbon black during internal and surface oxidation

The structure of carbon black (CB) is investigated during its oxidation by O2 at 550 and 800 °C thermogravimetric analysis, microscopy, N2 adsorption X-ray diffraction (XRD). That way, the dynamics porosity crystallinity surface internal are elucidated, for first time to best our knowledge. At °C, takes place largely on CB surface. This increases specific area, SSA, from 240 about 453 m2/g, closely following classic shrinking particle model hardly affects CB. diffuses reacts with bulk particles forming pores radius smaller than 2 nm after 25 50% conversion. higher conversions, these small fuse together resulting in hollow high up 939 m2/g. Fractal XRD analyses pore network reveals that reduces interlayer distance crystallites constituting CB, compacting network. fractal dimension, Dfp, 2.43 2.7, good agreement Dfp measured diesel soot oxidation. quantified detail here can assist design new highly porous grades activated carbons as well battery materials.