Synthesis of zeolite-templated carbons using oxygen-containing organic solvents

Abstract

Zeolite-templated synthesis of ordered microporous carbons was performed with Ca 2+ ion-exchanged Y and beta zeolites, where the conventionally used carbon source gases ( e.g. , ethylene and propylene) were replaced by various organic solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and diisopropyl ether. The oxygen-containing solvents were fed to the zeolites as carried by N 2 gas through a bubbler. Mass spectrometric analyses of the carbonization stream indicated that isopropanol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and diisopropyl ether were converted largely to propylene and H 2 O vapor, while ethanol and methanol to ethylene. The simultaneous generation of H 2 O and the olefins, without using high-pressure gas cylinders, can be merit in the Ca 2+ ion-catalyzed synthesis of zeolite-templated carbons (ZTCs). The approach in this work provides a facile way to produce high quality ZTCs exhibiting excellent micropore orders and high specific capacitances in supercapacitor applications. • Zeolite-templated carbon is obtained using common organic solvents as carbon sources. • In situ mass analysis reveals solvent decomposition into propylene, ethylene and H 2 O. • High-surface-area carbon exhibits high capacitance as a supercapacitor electrode.