Abstract
Carbohydrate moieties were combined with various cross-linkable anions (thiocyanate [SCN], tetracyanoborate [TCB], tricyanomethanide [TCM], and dicyanamide [DCA]) and investigated as precursors for the synthesis of nitrogen-doped and nitrogen-/sulfur-co-doped carbons. The influence of the molecular structures of the precursors on their thermophysical properties and the properties of the derived carbon materials was elucidated and compared to petroleum-derived analogs. A carbohydrate-based ionic liquid featuring an [SCN] anion yielded more carbon residues upon carbonization than its 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium analog, and the resulting dual-doping of the derived carbon material translated to enhanced catalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction.
Highlights
Due to the current focus on the development of more sustainable and ecofriendly processes, biomass has been intensively exploited to prepare high-value-added chemicals and materials
Bio-derived ionic liquids (ILs) [1,2,3] that can serve as solvents for the biomass dissolution desirable in the closed-loop biorefinery concept [4], as solvents for ionothermal biomass upgrading into functional carbon materials, or as carbon precursors themselves [5,6,7] can be useful sustainable chemicals
Doped carbon materials have recently gained a great deal of interest as metal-free electrode materials for electrochemical applications [8] and as metal-free catalysts for traditional chemical processes
Summary
Due to the current focus on the development of more sustainable and ecofriendly processes, biomass has been intensively exploited to prepare high-value-added chemicals and materials. In addition to the continuous search for useful biomass feedstock and ecofriendly processes suitable for its derivatization, products such as bio-derived solvents, additives, and functional materials are of special interest. In this regard, bio-derived ionic liquids (ILs) [1,2,3] that can serve as solvents for the biomass dissolution desirable in the closed-loop biorefinery concept [4], as solvents for ionothermal biomass upgrading into functional carbon materials, or as carbon precursors themselves [5,6,7] can be useful sustainable chemicals. One of the strategies to provide biomass-derived carbon materials with specific properties, such as enhanced surface area or heteroatom doping, is the use of ILs, which can act as heteroatom sources, stabilizers, pore-generating agents, or as precursors themselves, in the carbonization process [5,13,14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
