Synthesis of carbide-derived carbon by chlorination of Ti2AlC

Nanoporous carbide-derived carbon (CDC) was synthesized starting with Ti2AlC powders via chlorination in the 400-1200 degrees C temperature range. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed a structural dependence on chlorination temperature. At low chlorination temperatures, the CDC structure appeared primarily amorphous. Graphitic ribbons, as well as sharply bent graphitic structures, were observed at 800 degrees C. As the chlorination temperature was further increased to 1000 degrees C, the width of the graphitic ribbon increased. No significant increase in graphitization occurred between 1000 and 1200 degrees C. Sorption measurements determined the presence of micropores (0.40-2.0 nm) after chlorination at 400 degrees C; chlorination at 800 degrees C or higher resulted in both micro- and mesopores (0.35 to > 7 nm).