The structural development of zeolite-templated carbon under pyrolysis

Three activated carbon samples were synthesized via the pyrolysis of furfuryl alcohol (FA) impregnated in the porous framework of zeolite Y. The pyrolysis temperature was set at 900, 1050, and 1150 °C, respectively, to investigate its role on structural development. The surface properties of the carbon samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, Raman, and gas adsorption technologies. It is found that a low pyrolysis temperature is in favor of the structural regularity and the formation of small micropores (d < 1.0 nm), while a high temperature is necessary for the surface area/pore enhancement. However, a too high temperature will result in the collapse of micropores and the formation of mesopores.

► Poly(furfuryl alcohol) impregnated into zeolite-Y to form polymer–zeolite composites. ► Three carbon samples derived at different pyrolytic temperatures. ► Low temperature (900 °C) favors structural regularity and small micropores (d < 1.0 nm). ► High temperature (1050 °C) favors micropore and high surface area. ► A too high temperature (1150 °C) collapse micropores and form mesopores.