The one-step pyrolysis process of rattan-based silicon carbide multiphase ceramics prepared by sol–gel method

The sol–gel method was used to prepare rattan-based silicon carbide (R–SiC) composite ceramics under different pyrolysis parameters through adjustment of the temperature and retention time of the one-step pyrolysis process. The crystalline phases, microscopic morphology, element distribution and specific surface area of the silicon carbide (SiC) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and N2 physisorption. The results showed that the R–SiC prepared at different pyrolysis parameters was able to retain the porous structure of pristine rattan stem. The R–SiC prepared at 1500 ℃ for 120 min possessed the lowest density (0.25 g/cm3), the largest specific surface area (43.38 m2/g) and the highest SiC yield (44.24%). The SiC whisker was the major SiC morphology on the cross section of the R–SiC. Furthermore, the pyrolysis parameters were optimized with the SiC preparation process reaction mechanism, and material transformation methods were also discussed. This one-step pyrolysis process simplified the preparation of biogenic SiC ceramics and thus provided a potential route for the value-added utilization of rattan.