In-situ graphitization of carbide-derived carbon monoliths

摘要

Porous graphitic carbons are a class of materials that are highly interesting for various energy-related applications such as supercapacitors or electrocatalysts. They combine the chemical stability, thermal and electrical conductivity of graphite with the high surface area and porosity of porous carbons [1]. Carbide-derived carbons (CDC) are porous carbon materials obtained from selective extraction of non-carbon components from carbides, typically by treatment with chlorine at high temperatures. Depending on the conditions of the extraction process and chosen carbide precursor, the microstructure of the carbon can be tuned with high accuracy and reproducibility. While low extraction temperatures typically yield highly amorphous carbons, graphitized carbons can be obtained by applying very high temperatures [2]. It is known from literature, that group VIII transition metals like Fe, Ni, Co or Ru can act as a catalyst and increase the degree of graphitization even at comparably mild reaction conditions [3].