Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse to Sulfur Containing Graphene: Chemistry and Mechanism

Abstract

It is well established that natural occurring carbonaceous materials play a key role in the development of graphene derivatives. In this context, sugarcane bagasse fibers were explored for the development of sulfur-containing graphene (S-graphene) in the presence of sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), bypassing inert atmosphere. The cellulose and hemicellulose contents of bagasse fibers were found to be crucial for the formation of few layered nanosheets of graphene. The results showed that NaHSO3 not only facilitated the insertion of sulfur within the graphitic planes, but also prevented the attack of oxygen at low temperatures during cyclization and aromatization of glucose moieties present in the bagasse fibers. It indicated that bagasse fibers could be one of the versatile carbonaceous precursors to produce graphene and its derivatives.

Keywords

• sugarcane bagasse fibers
• nahso3
• pyrolysis
• s-graphene
• mechanism
• chemistry