Synthesis of ordered carbon replicas by using Y-zeolite as template in a batch reactor

Ordered carbon material that preserves the structural regularity of the parent zeolite template was synthesized by using ethylene as carbon source and HY-zeolite in a batch reactor. The obtained carbons exhibit a high degree of microporosity having BET surface areas between 1400 and 2400 m(2)/g. The morphology and structure of the prepared carbon materials were investigated by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction measurements, scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption. The results were compared with the parent zeolite template. The carbonization procedure of precursor-encapsulated samples was investigated by thermal analysis and it has been found that the resulting quality of the ordered carbons strongly depends on the heat treatment of the composite material. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.