Effect of aluminum compound addition on graphitization of wood charcoal by direct electric pulse heating method

The catalytic effect of aluminum on graphitization of wood charcoal was examined. Wood charcoal impregnated with aluminum triisopropoxide to various levels was subjected to direct electric pulse heating. Electric conductivity and heat conductivity of the products showed strong, systematic dependence on the amount of aluminum added. X-ray diffractometry indicated that these effects result from a larger degree of graphitization. Because the amount of aluminum in the final product was negligible, aluminum, before being lost by vaporization, apparently catalyzed graphitization at a lower temperature than is used for conventional treatments.