Correlating Texture and Electromechanical Properties of Activated Carbons: First Steps

Abstract

This study presents a simplified experimental method for evaluating the electro-mechanical behavior of activated carbons derived from agro-industrial residues such as sugarcane bagasse, coconut shells, peanut hulls, and rice husks. Using a two-point electrical measurement under controlled uniaxial pressure, we introduce and analyze the parameter ρm/ρ, which shows a strong linear correlation with pressure across all samples. The effective conductivity (σₑ) is modeled using an effective-medium approximation, revealing two competing effects of pressure: improved grain contact at low pressures and grain fracture at high pressures. The derived expression for σₑ(P) incorporates four key parameters that act as a fingerprint for each material. Experimental results confirm the model's predictive capability and highlight the influence of material composition, notably SiO₂ content, on conductivity. This approach provides a reliable, low-cost tool for preliminary assessment of the textural and conductive properties of activated carbons, with potential implications for their optimization in electrical applications.