Carbon nanospheres obtained from carbonization of bio-resource: A catalyst free synthesis

Abstract Herein, we synthesized carbon nanospheres from Lablab purpureus seeds (as carbon precursors) by pyrolysis technique without using any catalyst. It is a simple, single step method which involved annealing of bio-resource, L. purpureus seeds, at about 600 °C. The pyrolyzed material was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. X-ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectroscopy were evidenced for highly crystalline and graphitic nature of the material. SEM images showed porous carbon nanospheres, proving the synthesis method. FTIR spectrum of raw material showed the presence of functional groups in bioactive molecules that play the role of carbon precursors. Thus, the method demonstrates a simple, cost effective and environmentally benign synthetic procedure can produce uniform shaped carbon nanospheres.