A simple pyrolysis route to synthesize leaf-like carbon sheets

Leaf-like carbon sheets have been obtained by the pyrolysis of dichloromethane and ferrocene in an autoclave in 300-600 degrees C on Cu ribbons for 90 min. The thickness of the sheets could be controlled from 50 to 200 nm by adjusting the experimental parameters. The formation process was studied by observing product-evolution utilizing the real-time imaging capabilities of emission scanning electron microscope, and it is considered that Diffusion-Limited Aggregation mechanism could be responsible for their growth. Thermo-gravimetric analysis curves show that the initial thermal decomposition temperature of the carbon sheets increases from 300 to 420 degrees C with the increasing preparation temperature. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area was 398 m(2)/g and with a narrow pore distribution in the range of 2-5 nm. By changing the carbon sources, solid carbon spheres as well as chain-like solid carbon spheres (3-5 mu m) could be selectively prepared using one-pot reactions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.