Preparation of potato starch-based carbon particles by low-temperature carbonization in oil

Potato starch-based carbon particles were prepared by lowtemperature carbonization in methyl silicone oil at 220 °C for 15 h and subsequent carbonization at 600 °C for 1 hour under nitrogen. The as-prepared carbon particles were molded, and then heat-treated. The results confirmed that carbon particles could keep the original shape of the potato starch and exhibit high monodispersity with smooth surfaces. The size distribution of carbon particles ranged from 10 to 100 lm and the blocks molded from the carbon particles exhibited relatively superior mechanical strength with a flexural strength of 85.7 MPa. Additionally, it was found that the low-temperature carbonization in oil is crucial in the preparation of this kind of carbon particle.