Influence of KOH on the carbon nanostructure of peanut shell

Abstract

Carbon nanostructured materials, including nanosheets, are being produced from a variety of natural waste materials. The process involves activation and carbonization. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a well-known chemical agent used to generate pore structure and to prepare the micro/nanostructure of carbon. This study compares the effect of the state of KOH (solid or solute) on carbon formation in peanut shells. Carbon nanosheets were formed from peanut shell by activation with KOH and heat treatment. The surface microstructure and individual carbon nanosheets of peanut shell were found to be more distinct after treatment with solute KOH compared to treatment with solid KOH. This suggests that solute KOH treatment is a simple, cheap, and effective method for producing carbon nanosheets from peanut shells.

Keywords

• Natural waste materials
• carbonaceous materials