Pyrolytic formation and photoluminescence properties of a new layered carbonaceous material with graphite oxide-mimicking characteristics

Thermal carbonization of bis(2-chloroethyl)amine hydrochloride at 260 °C in air leads to a new, functional layered carbonaceous material that, although different in structure and composition, shares similar characteristics as the well-known graphite oxide. Specifically, the molecularly derived carbonaceous solid is layered with relatively small lateral dimensions, highly dispersible in water providing clear colloidal sols and possesses ion-exchange properties. The carbonaceous solid strongly fluoresces in the visible, when stimulated with a wide range of excitation wavelengths. Overall, the method presents an alternative synthesis towards molecularly derived layered carbonaceous materials with novel properties.