Synthesis of nanoporous carbonaceous materials at lower temperatures

Nanoporous carbonaceous materials are ideal ingredients in various industrial products due to their large specific surface area. They are typically prepared by post-synthesis activation and templating methods. Both methods require the input of large amounts of energy to sustain thermal treatment at high temperatures (typically >600degree celsius), which is clearly in violation of the green-chemistry principles. To avoid this issue, other strategies have been developed for the synthesis of carbonaceous materials at lower temperatures (<600degree celsius). This mini review is focused on three strategies suitable for processing carbons at lower temperatures, namely, hydrothermal carbonization, in situ hard templating method, and mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction. Typical procedures of these strategies are demonstrated by using recently reported examples. At the end, some problems associated with the strategies and potential solutions are discussed.

Automated summary

Nanoporous carbonaceous materials, known for their large specific surface area, are widely used in various industrial applications. This review focuses on three strategies, including hydrothermal carbonization, in situ hard templating method, and mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction, for synthesizing carbonaceous materials at lower temperatures. Typical procedures of these strategies are demonstrated using recent examples, and the associated problems and potential solutions are discussed.