Coupled synthesis and encapsulation in one-pot method for fabricating size-tunable hollow carbon spheres containing encapsulated Ag microparticles

Size-tunable hollow carbon spheres containing encapsulated Ag microparticles (HCSA) were fabricated using a one-pot method for the coupled synthesis and encapsulation. These spheres were formed by the catalyzed dehydration of glucose under hydrothermal conditions, using the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a sacrificial template to tune the cavity size of the hollow carbon spheres. In this one-pot synthesis, glucose was used as the carbonaceous source and served as the reducing agent that reacted with Ag ions. The HCSA exhibited tunable cavity sizes (1.2–2.4 μm), dimensions (0.2–2.7 μm), and morphologies (hollow spherical, bowl-like, ruptured, or solid spherical). The obtained products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, we suggest that the SDS concentration is the crucial factor in the fabrication of size-tunable HCSA. In addition, we propose a possible mechanism for the formation of the HCSA.

Size-tunable hollow carbon spheres containing encapsulated Ag microparticles were successfully synthesized through a coupled synthesis and encapsulation in the one-pot method. The approach provided a method to tailor the dimension of hollow carbon spheres containing encapsulated Ag nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Size-tunable hollow carbon spheres encapsulating Ag microparticles were obtained.
► SDS plays a crucial role in determining the cavity size of hollow carbon spheres.
► This one-pot method provides a facile technique to tune the size of hollow spheres.
► These hollow carbon spheres still retain functional groups on the surface.