Two pitches with different average molecular structures were electrospun and compared in terms of the properties of their fibers after oxidative stabilization, carbonization, and activation. The precursor with a higher molecular weight and greater content of aliphatic groups (Pitch A) resulted in better solubility and spinnability compared to that with a lower molecular weight and lower aliphatic group content (Pitch B). The electrical conductivity of the carbon fiber web from Pitch A of 67 S/cm was higher than that from Pitch B of 52 S/cm. The carbon fiber web based on Pitch A was activated more readily with lower activation energy, resulting in a higher specific surface area compared to the carbon fiber based on Pitch B (Pitch A, 2053 m2/g; Pitch B, 1374 m2/g).

• Bo-Hye Kim(Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University)
• Arshad Hussain Wazir(Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University)
• Kap-Seung Yang(Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Department of Polymer & Fiber System Engineering, Chonnam National University) Corresponding Author
• Yun-Hyuk Bang(R&D Business Labs, Hyosung Corporation)
• Sung-Ryong Kim(R&D Business Labs, Hyosung Corporation)