The production of functional nanoporous carbons from naturally occurring precursors using environmentally friendly processes is a hot topic in modern materials science. One practical, efficient approach is the thermal dehydration /transformation of carbohydrate-based biomass in H2O, under autoclave conditions at relatively low temperatures (e.g. 180°C) and pressures (< 10bar); termed Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC). This process yields (non-porous) spherical particles with functional surfaces. HTC has clear advantages, being green, economical, mild and fast. Our latest research regarding the HTC synthesis of biomass-derived functional nanoporous carbons will be presented. The synthesis of a variety of nanostructured carbons synthesised via self assembly, non-conventional hard templating, and bio-inspired routes will be discussed, demonstrating control over porosity, morphology and surface functionality, to direct physicochemical properties for desired applications (e.g. heterogeneous catalysis, and Li-ion batteries). Heteroatom-doped nanoporous carbons produced via simple one pot reactions using suitable "doped" precursors will also be discussed. The combination of these material platforms with secondary components (e.g. ionic liquids, noble metal nanoparticles etc) to synthesise a wide range of composites/hybrids will also be introduced. Our research lays the basis for sustainable, relevant and functional carbon nanomaterial synthesis, tuneable in terms of texture, morphology and chemical properties. The direct applicability of these interesting carbon materials in high value synergistic applications such as heterogeneous catalysts suitable for biomass transformations and analytical separations will also be presented. Notably these carbon materials are based on an inexpensive and non-resource intensive synthesis; appropriate for tomorrow's carbon nanotechnology.
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