Catalytic graphitization of PAN-based carbon fibers by spontaneously deposited manganese oxides

A simple method for the spontaneous deposition of manganese oxides on the surface of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers by a direct redox reaction between carbon fibers and permanganate ions is described. Catalytic graphitization of the PAN-based carbon fibers coated with manganese oxides was investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the graphitization of the PAN-based carbon fibers was accelerated in the presence of the manganese oxides even at the relatively low temperature of 1,600 A degrees C.