Accelerated Graphitization of PAN-Based Carbon Fibers:\nK⁺‑Effected Graphitization via Laser Irradiation

Abstract

Graphitization\nprogress of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon\nfibers is closely dependent on the treatment temperature; exactly,\ncontrolling the microstructural morphology of carbon layers in the\nfibrous solid state can accelerate the formation of a highly graphitic\nstructure. The present work exhibited the accelerated graphitization\nof PAN-based carbon fibers by the effect of K⁺ on microstructure\nevolution under laser irradiation. Chemical and microstructure characterization\nreveals that a much higher degree of graphitization is achieved via\nthe K⁺ effect after the laser irradiation than by pure\nlaser treatment at the same low temperature of about 2000 °C.\nOrdered and large-sized graphite-like microcrystals can be formed\nas well. The reactive molecular simulation further provided insights\ninto the acceleration mechanism of the K⁺ effect during\nthe graphitization progress. Thus, based on these results, K⁺-effected graphitization via laser irradiation can be a promising\nalternative for the efficient and eco-friendly mass production of\ngraphite fibers.