Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon Xerogel and Activation by Oxidative Treatment

Synthesis of carbon xerogel and modification of its surface by various oxidative treatments are explored. Organic gel was synthesized by following the conventional sol-gel approach using formaldehyde and resorcinol. The wet gel was dried under subcritical condition and then carbonized, leading to carbon xerogel. Subsequently, the carbon xerogel was subjected to surface activation by means of oxidative treatment with nitric acid, sulphuric acid as well as aerial oxidation. Surface acid/base properties of the carbon xerogel have been strongly altered by treatments with nitric acid as well as with sulphuric acid. On the other hand, total surface area and pore volume have been significantly modified by air activation.