Morphological Characterization of Activated Carbon Cryogels from Melamine-Resorcinol-Formaldehyde

摘要

Carbon aerogels, a promising porous carbon material, have interesting properties such as interconnected porous network morphology, high specific surface area, high porosity and relatively low density. [1] These porous carbons have diversified applications in a range of areas, including filters, catalyst supports, fuel-cells and supercapacitors. [2-4] Carbon aerogels can be obtained from the carbonization of organic gels, which are synthesized by the sol-gel polycondensation of organic molecular precursors such as resorcinol-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde. [5,6] This procedure can be tailored by a special drying technique and carbonization processes. Aerogels prepared using freeze-drying technique are usually known as cryogels. [7] This unique drying technique that preserves the gel morphology offers the advantages of economy, practicality and usefulness. The morphology and surface chemistry of the carbon cryogels are key factors because the pore and surface properties, nanostructures and microstructure have important effects on their applications.