Characterization of black carbon collected from candle light and automobile exhaust pipe

Abstract

Black carbon contributes to global warming and melting of polar ice as well as causing respiratory diseases. However, it is also an inexpensive, easily available carbon nano material for elementary chemistry experiments. In this study, black carbon samples collected from candle light and automobile exhaust pipes have been investigated to examine their compositions and surface characteristics. The observed broad G and D bands and amorphous sp3 band in their Raman spectra as well as the high intensity of the D (defect) band reveal that black carbon is principally made of amorphous graphite. The black carbon deposits in automobile exhaust pipes are apparently more amorphous, probably due to the shorter time allowed for formation of the carbonaceous matter. An exceptionally large water contact angle (159.7°) is observed on black carbon, confirming its superhydrophobicity. The surface roughness evidently plays an important role for the contact angle much larger than that of crystalline graphite (98.3°). According to the Sassie-Baxter equation, less than 1% the area actually in contact with the water drop.