Elucidating the Mechanism of Iron-Catalyzed Graphitization: The First Observation of Homogeneous Solid-State Catalysis.

Carbon is a critical material for existing and emerging energy applications and there is considerable global effort in generating sustainable carbons. A particularly promising area is iron-catalyzed graphitization, which is the conversion of organic matter to graphitic carbon nanostructures by an iron catalyst. In this paper, it is reported that iron-catalyzed graphitization occurs via a new type of mechanism that is called homogeneous solid-state catalysis.

Making chemistry accessible for learners with vision impairment.

Pupils with vision impairment face significant challenges in learning science. Here, the authors discuss the impact of an inaccessible curriculum and new ideas that can improve accessibility.

and X-ray Diffraction and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Investigations of the Sol-Gel Synthesis of FeN and FeC.

Iron nitride (FeN) and iron carbide (FeC) nanoparticles can be prepared via sol-gel synthesis. While sol-gel methods are simple, it can be difficult to control the crystalline composition, , to achieve a Rietveld-pure product. In a previous synchrotron study of the sol-gel synthesis of FeN/FeC, we showed that the reaction proceeds as follows: FeO → FeO → FeN → FeC.

Milling as a route to porous graphitic carbons from biomass.

This paper reports a simple way to produce porous graphitic carbons from a wide range of lignocellulosic biomass sources, including nut shells, softwood sawdust, seed husks and bamboo. Biomass precursors are milled and sieved to produce fine powders and are then converted to porous graphitic carbons by iron-catalysed graphitization. Graphitizing the raw (unmilled) biomass creates carbons that are diverse in their porosity and adsorption properties.

Evolution of the Local Structure in the Sol-Gel Synthesis of FeC Nanostructures.

The sol-gel synthesis of iron carbide (FeC) nanoparticles proceeds through multiple intermediate crystalline phases, including iron oxide (FeO) and iron nitride (FeN). The control of particle size is challenging, and most methods produce polydisperse FeC nanoparticles of 20-100 nm in diameter. Given the wide range of applications of FeC nanoparticles, it is essential that we understand the evolution of the system during the synthesis.