Effect of praseodymium on catalytic graphitization of furan resin carbon

We introduced a new catalyst, rare earth element praseodymium, for the catalytic graphitization of furan resin carbon. The extent of graphitization of the furan resin carbon was examined by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The morphology of furan resin carbon was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the praseodymium content and the heat-treatment temperature on the catalytic graphitization of furan resin carbon were also investigated. The results indicated that the praseodymium content and the heat-treatment temperature were two important factors on the catalytic graphitization of furan resin carbon and the significant catalytic graphitization was achieved at 2400 degrees C and 15 wt.% praseodymium.