High-yield carbonization of cellulose by sulfuric acid impregnation

The carbonization of cellulose with sulfuric acid impregnation was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The mass yield of carbon after 800 degreesC treatment in nitrogen increased to 2-3 times by addition of small amounts of sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid is considered to work as dehydration catalyst, thus suppressing the release of volatile organic substances. The shrinkage of the sample during carbonization was also significantly reduced by the addition of sulfuric acid.