A novel approach for development of graphene structure in mesoporous carbon of high specific surface area

The challenge of developing highly graphitized regions in mesoporous carbon powders via non-catalytic approach has been the focus of many researchers worldwide without much noticeable achievements. Here, in this work, for the first time, we report the profound effect of the addition of water soluble planar polyaromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAH) on the development of graphene structure within amorphous carbon matrix, as confirmed by our detailed analytical experiments. The formation of rather long-range ordered graphene layers for the prepared samples is believed to be mainly governed by the initial spatial planar alignments of benzene rings of phenolic resin monomers and those of PAHs molecules. Amongst the synthesized samples, the highest specific surface area (∼620 m2/g) and electrical conductivity (∼6.25 S/cm) were obtained for Emodin added sample as a non-metallic graphitizing agent. Such rather high specific surface areas and electrical conductivity potentially promises wide range of interesting applications for mesoporous carbon materials.