Preparation of hollow carbon nanospheres at low temperature via new reaction route

Hollow carbon nanospheres were obtained at 200 °C via a new reaction route, by using magnesium, hexachloroethane and aluminum trichloride as starting materials and benzene as solvent. The products were characterized with X-ray diffraction pattern, transmission electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope images and Raman spectrum. The reaction conditions are easy to be maintained and controlled. They may provide a new method to produce other carbonaceous materials. A possible mechanism of reaction was proposed. C 2 Cl 6 + Mg ⟶ AlCl 3 C + MgCl 2 . Hollow carbon nanospheres are prepared at 200 °C for 12 h by using magnesium, hexachloroethane and aluminum trichloride as starting materials and benzene as solvent. A possible mechanism of the formation is proposed under experimental results.