C2NxO1-x framework carbons with defined microporosity and Co-doped functional pores

Gallic acid and urea are used to produce C2NO materials with moderately defined micropores via direct condensation and ring closure. These materials show a unique heterocycle containing carbonaceous structure and feature an unusually high content of heteroatoms (nitrogen and oxygen) lining the insides of pores while having high specific surface areas. The multifunctional carbon materials demonstrate good performance for selective CO2 capture resulting from adjustable porosity and polarizability. In view of the simplicity of the salt flux synthetic method and the advantage of the available sustainable starting synthons, the C2NO framework has potential for use in diverse practical applications.