Graphitic Porous Carbons Prepared by a Modified Template Method

Graphitic porous carbons were prepared by adding FeCl3 into a preliminary water-soluble mixture of poly(vinyl alcohol) and magnesium acetate, followed by carbonization and acid washing. The samples were then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N-2 adsorption at 77 K. XRD patterns showed that Fe could accelerate carbon graphitization at 1000 degrees C. Although the MgO particles worked as template, they resulted in the decrease of crystallinity. Thus it is necessary to balance between crystallinity and pore structures for diversified applications.