Abstract
Carbon spheres were synthesized by emulsion polymerization and pyrolysis of polyfurfuryl alcohol. Pluronic F-127 was used as the structure-directing agent to synthesize polymer spheres that after pyrolysis led to carbon spheres with average sizes from 50nm to few micrometers in diameter depending upon the conditions of polymerization. As-synthesized carbon spheres possess high surface areas of around 480m2/g with an average mean pore size of 0.5nm. These spheres can be activated using carbon dioxide to create much higher surface areas (>1500m2/g). Different compositional regions of the pseudo-ternary phase diagram of surfactant/monomer/solvent were explored in order to determine the effects of changes in the emulsion polymerization variables on the kinds of carbon morphologies that could be derived from polyfurfuryl alcohol after pyrolysis. The diameter of the carbon spheres was found to be sensitive to monomer and surfactant concentrations, acid molarity and solvent composition. In general, the diameter of the spheres grew with increasing furfuryl alcohol concentration and decreasing surfactant concentration, respectively. By varying the acid concentration and solvent composition, a minimum diameter for spheres was found. The formation and size of the spheres are strongly influenced both by micelle growth and the polymerization mechanism.
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.
