Synthesis of High Surface Area, Water-Dispersible Graphitic Carbon Nanocages by an in Situ Template Approach

This study reports an approach for synthesis of graphitic carbon nanocages (CNCs) via pyrolysis of ethanol with dissolved iron carbonyl at temperatures from 600 to 900 °C. The in situ formed Fe catalyst and template enabled the in situ generation of carbon from ethanol and formation of graphitic layers on the template surface. With the removal of the template, hollow CNCs were obtained to have a fine size of 30−50 nm and a large surface area of 400−800 m2/g. The CNCs also became dispersible in water without aggregation and settling after several months through HNO3 treatment. As an example for potential applications, the CNCs were demonstrated to be a good material for supporting the Pt catalyst used in low-temperature fuel cells. Considering its continuous and low-temperature operation, in situ formation of catalyst and template, and in situ graphitization of decomposed carbon, the present approach may be suitable for large-scale production of high surface area and water-dispersible graphitic carbon and would be practically relevant for many technologies.