Rapid electron transfer by the carbon matrix in natural pyrogenic carbon

Surface functional groups constitute major electroactive components in pyrogenic carbon. However, the electrochemical properties of pyrogenic carbon matrices and the kinetic preference of functional groups or carbon matrices for electron transfer remain unknown. Here we show that environmentally relevant pyrogenic carbon with average H/C and O/C ratios of less than 0.35 and 0.09 can directly transfer electrons more than three times faster than the charging and discharging cycles of surface functional groups and have a 1.5 V potential range for biogeochemical reactions that invoke electron transfer processes. Surface functional groups contribute to the overall electron flux of pyrogenic carbon to a lesser…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: -1144153, IOS-0965336, 0965336, DGE-1144153, 1144153
• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture

  Awards: IOS-0965336, 2014-67003-22069
• NI
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture

  Award: 2014-67003-22069