Preparation and characterization of vinyl-functionalized carbon spheres by allylamine

► Oxygen-containing groups were introduced onto the surface of carbon spheres by nitric acid treatment, which improving the hydrophilic property of the surface of carbon spheres dramatically and lay the foundation of grafting allylamine. ► Vinyl groups were introduced on the surface of carbon spheres by allylamine. ► Vinyl-functionalized carbon spheres show good dispersion in organic solvent such as CHCl3 and THF.