Direct and generalized synthesis of carbon-based yolk–shell nanocomposites from metal-oleate precursor

Abstract

This contribution describes the facile preparation of functional yolk–shell nanoparticles (YSNs) made up of different compositions confined within a hollow porous carbon shell (M@Carbon, M=multiple Cu, NiO nanoparticles or ZnO nanowires). These new yolk–shell hybrid materials have been successfully synthesized using metal-oleate complex and phenolic resin monomers as raw materials through a one-step co-pyrolysis method. A relevant characteristic of these yolk–shell composites is the excellent thermal stability. The Cu@Carbon nanospheres with diameters ranging from 330 to 390nm and cavity size ranging from 190 to 220nm can be controlled by varying synthetic parameters. Comprehensive characterizations reveal that Cu-oleate complex, benefiting from the oleate bilayer, serves as an organometallic precursor while simultaneously acting as a soft template for the formation process. The resultant Cu@Carbon nanocomposite exhibits a promising catalytic properties toward DMC synthesis via oxidative carbonylation of methanol. Taking such complex as precursor, a single-step synthetic fashion is expected to simplify the preparation of yolk–carbon shell nanostructure.