Classification of carbon materials for developing structure-properties relationships based on the aggregate state of the precursors

Modern carbon science lacks an efficient structure-related classification of materials. We present an approach based on dividing carbon materials by the aggregate state of the precursor. The common features in the structure of carbon particles that allow putting them into a group are discussed, with particular attention to the potential energy stored in the carbon structure from differ- ent rates of relaxation during the synthesis and prearrangement of structural motifs due to the effect of the precursor structure.

Graphical AbstractCarbon materials can be classified into three groups by the aggregate state of the precursor material: those produced from gas, liquid or solid phase. Characteristic features are often shared by the materials of the same group.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide