Metal ion (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+) catalyzed synthesis of high-quality zeolite templated carbon

Three metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+) were found to be successful catalysts to produce high-quality zeolite templated carbon (ZTC), a periodic three-dimensional graphene-like carbon with ordered microporous structure. Their roles in high-quality ZTC formation were studied by characterizing chemical component, surface morphology, structure, and pore properties. Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ minimize or eliminate the blockage of channels by carbon deposits and non-selective thermal deposition on the external surface of the zeolite particles. The growth temperature was lowered to only 450 °C. Moreover, the formation mechanism of ordered ZTC structure was revealed for the first time. [Display omitted] •Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ were found to catalyze high-quality ZTC synthesis.•The inner channel blockage and external surface deposition problems were solved.•The required carbon growth temperature was lowered to only 450 °C.•A single layered, curved, graphene-like carbon network, likely a carbon schwartzite was obtained.•The formation mechanism of ordered ZTC structure was revealed for the first time.