Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrocatalytic Properties of Ultra Highly Densely Packed Carbon Sub-Micrometer Sphere Chains and Sheathed Carbon Microfiber Composites

In this work, we introduce the on-substrate preparation and characterization of ultra highly densely packed sub-micrometer carbon of perfect sphericity and well-connecting to each other forming chainlike compounds. These carbon sub-microsphere (CSMS) chains are highly pure with no catalyst remaining encapsulated within their core as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy survey revealed a surface concentration of carbon being of 97.68 at %, whereas micro-Raman assessment of their quality showed that they are of high graphitic structure. In addition, the static contact angle between a water droplet and the CSMS chains surface is about 151 degrees indicating superhydrophobicity feature. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that CSMS chains are very resistant to oxidation up to 637 degrees C. Furthermore, the CSMS chains possess enhanced electronic transfer properties. Given these interesting physicochemical properties, the CSMS chains developed here present a distinctive opportunity for creating novel multifunctional composites for potential applications as high temperature structural composites, self-cleaning surfaces, and catalyst supports in energy conversion such as fuel cells.