Term: graphitization
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02691

Definition:
A solid-state transformation of thermodynamically unstable non-graphitic carbon into graphite by means of heat treatment.

Note: Graphitization is also used for the @T06446@ of @M03872@ @D01671@ into @G02684@ by heat treatment, as well as in metallurgy for the formation of @G02684@ from thermodynamically @U06569@ carbides by thermal @D01547@ at high temperatures. Such uses of the term graphitization are in line with the above definition. The use of the term graphitization to indicate a process of thermal treatment of @C00841@ at T > 2500 K regardless of any resultant @C01433@ is incorrect.

Related Terms:
1) transformation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06446).
2) metastable (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M03872).
3) graphite (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02684).
4) unstable (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.U06569).
5) decomposition (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01547).
6) crystallinity (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01433).
7) diamond (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01671).
8) carbon materials (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00841).
9) non-graphitic carbon (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.N04193).

Source: PAC, 1995, 67, 473. 'Recommended terminology for the description of carbon as a solid (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)' on page 493 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199567030473)

Citation: 'graphitization' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02691

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