Monolithic porous graphitic carbons obtained through catalytic graphitization of carbon xerogels

Pyrolysis of organic xerogels accompanied by catalytic graphitization and followed by selective-combustion purification was used to produce porous graphitic carbons. Organic gels impregnated with iron(III) chloride or nickel(II) acetate were obtained through polymerization of resorcinol and furfural. During the pyrolysis stage graphitization of the gel matrix occurs, which in turn develops mesoporosity of the obtained carbons. The evolution of the carbon into graphitic structures is strongly dependent on the concentrations of the transition metal. Pyrolysis leads to monoliths of carbon xerogel characterized by substantially enhanced mesoporosity resulting in specific surface areas up to 400 m2/g. Removal of the amorphous carbon by selective-combustion purification reduces the xerogels' mesoporosity, occasionally causing loss of their mechanical strength. The graphitized carbon xerogels were investigated by means of SEM, XRD, Raman scattering, TG–DTA and N2 physisorption. Through this procedure well graphitized carbonaceous materials can be obtained as bulk pieces.

► Porous graphitic carbons were prepared using organic xerogels as substrates.
► Catalytic graphitization of the xerogels significantly enhances carbons' mesoporosity.
► Activation of the highly graphitic, mesoporous xerogels with KOH is investigated.
► The catalytic graphitization mechanism of the xerogels is discussed in details.
► A microstructure of the porous graphitic carbons is proposed.