Structural characterization of carbon xerogels: From film to monolith

Two series of carbon materials obtained by polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde catalyzed respectively by Li2CO3 and Cs2CO3 were prepared in different format: aerogel pellets, xerogel pellets of different diameters, films and coatings of ceramic structures. The samples were extensively characterized by different techniques and their porous texture, morphology and mechanical properties were related with the synthesis conditions: polymerization catalyst, drying method and mainly the nature, size and shape of the mold used for the polymerization and cure of the gel. Highly mesoporous materials are obtained in pellets avoiding the supercritical drying, while films and coatings are microporous materials with a high potential as molecular sieves. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.