Preparation and characterization of single-handed helical carbonaceous nanofibers using 1,4-phenylene bridged polybissilsesquioxanes

Abstract

Single-handed helical carbonaceous materials attracted much attention for varieties of potential applications. Herein, single-handed helical 1, 4-phenylene bridged polybissilsesquioxane nanofibers were prepared through a supramolecular templating approach using a pair of enantiomers. After carbonization at 700 °C for 2.0 h and removal of silica using HF aqueous solution, single-handed helical carbonaceous nanofibers were obtained. The obtained samples were characterized using the field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 sorptions, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance circular dichroism (DRCD). The Raman spectrum indicated that the carbon was amorphous. The DRCD spectra indicated that the carbonaceous nanofibers exhibited optical activity. The surface area of the left-handed helical carbonaceous nanofibers was 907 m2/g. Such material has potential applications as chirality sensor and supercapacitor electrode.