The aim of this project is studying the effect of thermal operation parameters on the graphitization of self-diffused ethane-based catalytic coke. The novelty of this study refers to self-diffused metals that had given unique properties to the catalytic coke and had improved the graphitization degree at low temperatures. The main feature of this research is presenting a remarkable energy saving approach that uses low-cost installations for production of graphitized carbon. The experiments were performed in two steps including preparation of self-diffused ethane-based catalytic coke and then low-temperature graphitization of coke samples below 1500 °C. Characteristic tests were performed by determination of electrical resistivity and XRD pattern of graphitized samples including graphitization degree, aromaticity, coke rank, number of carbon rings, graphene thickness and length. The results revealed that the blanket atmosphere, final temperature and exposure time had the greatest impact on the aforementioned criteria, while the role of thermal ramp and sulfur content of catalytic coke was negligible. The electrical resistivity tests on the graphitized sample showed how the electrical resistivity of graphitized samples is a function of graphitization degree.
