Preparation of carbonaceous pyropolymers

Carbonaceous pyropolymers possessing recurring units containing at least carbon and hydrogen atoms composited on a solid support may be prepared in a solid state process. The process is effected by treating a high surface area solid support such as an inorganic oxide as exemplified by alumina with an organic monomer which is capable of being polymerized by thermal, ionic, or free radical polymerization methods. The monomer is polymerized on the surface of the support under polymerization conditions and thereafter the polymer-coated support is subjected to pyrolysis at temperatures ranging from about 600 DEG to about 1200 DEG C. to form a carbonaceous pyropolymer. If so desired, this composite may then be subjected to the action of a dissolving agent under conditions which will dissolve or leach out the solid support, thus leaving a carbonaceous pyropolymer possessing recurring units containing at least carbon and hydrogen atoms.