Inducing defects in ordered mesoporous carbons via the block copolymer-templated high-temperature carbonization of nitrogen-containing polymeric precursors

Abstract

Structural defects in graphene directly influence its electronic structure and can lead to the development of unique properties. However, the introduction of defects into ordered mesoporous graphitic carbons has yet to be demonstrated. Herein, defects were successfully introduced into the graphitic carbon lattice of well-ordered hexagonal mesoporous carbons via a block copolymer soft-template method and high-temperature carbonization. Small-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption measurements revealed that well-ordered ~4 nm cylindrical mesoporous structures with high surface areas (532 m2g−1) and good mesoporosity were maintained after high-temperature carbonization up to 1500 °C and mechanical milling. Raman and CHN elemental analyses suggested that defects were introduced into the graphitic carbon lattice through surface reconstruction induced by N-atom removal during heat treatment. The obtained robust and well-ordered N-containing mesoporous carbons with deliberately introduced defects are considered promising materials for electrochemical reactions and as catalyst supports. The introduction of structural defects into ordered mesoporous carbons is demonstrated based on block copolymer-templating and high-temperature carbonization of N-containing polymers. N-atom removal during high-temperature heat treatment induces structural defect formation, and the use of soft-templating yields dense mesostructures tough enough to maintain ordering upon defect introduction.Please change the graphical abstract to the revised one sent by email separately.