Direct synthesis of mesoporous carbon from the carbonization of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/silica composite and its catalytic performance

▶ Mesoporous carbon was prepared by directly carbonizing β-HPCD/silica composite. ▶ Mesoporous carbon has a uniform wormlike structure and high surface area. ▶ Mesoporous carbon has certain degree graphitic phase characteristic in pore wall. ▶ Mesoporous carbon has high catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrotoluene.