Synthesis of Porous and Graphitic Carbon for Electrochemical Detection

An effective solid-state approach for producing porous and graphitic carbon materials using Fe3O4 nanoparticles embedded into the carbonaceous matrix as catalyst was presented. High dispersion of Fe3O4 nanoparticles enables the solid-state graphitization to be limited at the local region around the Fe3O4 nanoparticles, resulting in porous and graphitic materials. This porous and graphitic material possesses a large specific surface area and a high degree of crystallinity. The materials are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectra, X-ray powder diffraction patterns, and N-2 sorption isotherms. High sensitivity and quick response properties were exhibited when this material was used in electrochemical detection of trinitrotoluene due to the porous and graphitic structure.