A simple solvothermal route to synthesize carbon microspheres

Carbon micro-spheres were prepared by a simple solvothermal route in a stainless steel autoclave. Absolute ethanol was used as carbon source and solvent, and nickel as catalyst, obtained by reducing Ni (Ac)(2) in absolute ethanol. Carbon microspheres were obtained at 500 degrees C for 48 h. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Results showed that there were acicular and spherical carbon particles in the as-prepared samples. The carbon microspheres had diameters ranging from I to 2 mu m. and the acicular particles had diameters ranging from I to 2 mu m and lengths ranging from 3 to 6 mu m. The yield of carbon micro-spheres was over 95% with a narrow size distribution and perfect shape.