2.3.5 FT-IR analysis
The surface chemistry of samples was analyzed through FTIR transmission spectra [48] recorded using a PERKIN ELMER Spectrum One FTIR spectrophotometer in the wave number range of 4000-450 cm-1. The carbon samples were ground with KBr (AR grade) at a ratio of roughly 1/1000. 500 mg of oven dried (110°C for 12 hrs) fine powder was made in to a pellet by continuously pressing at 5 ton/cm2 for 1 min. and 17 ton/cm2 for 2 min. using a Perkin-Elmer hydraulic pump. After preparation, the pellet was analyzed immediately, and the spectra were recorded to 1 cm-1 resolution. A pellet prepared with an equivalent quantity of pure KBr powder was used as control.