Porous Nanoparticles Research Articles

Surface-Modified Wrinkled Mesoporous Nanosilica as an Effective Adsorbent for Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene in Indoor Air

Surfactant-extracted spherical porous silica nanoparticles with wrinkled structures were synthesized, and their adsorption performance was altered by grafting three organosilanes: n-octyltriethoxysilane, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, and triethoxyphenylsilane onto their surface. The surface-modified silica nanoparticles were used to capture frequently detected hazardous indoor air chemicals. The physical and chemical properties of the samples were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption experiments, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Although the organosilane surface modification did not significantly change the surface areas and pore structures of porous silica nanoparticles, the capacities of the surface-modified porous silica nanoparticles for capturing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) molecules from air were considerably higher than those of pristine porous silica nanoparticles. The dispersion forces between adsorbates and adsorbents were the primary factor that affected the absorption capacity of the surface-modified porous silica nanoparticles. Consequently, the BTEX capturing potential of surface-modified mesoporous silica featuring a long alkyl chain was high because of the relatively high dispersion force between adsorbates and the adsorbent.

Porous SiO2 nanosphere-supported PtCuCo trimetallic nanoparticles for highly efficient and selective furfural hydrogenation

Furfural is one of the most important lignocellulose derivatives in biomass. Its conversion to furfural alcohol (FA) is a great significance for value-added green chemicals. Here, we show that the hydrogenation of furfural over a SiO2 nanosphere-supported PtCuCo alloy catalyst (PtCuCo/SiO2), which exhibits excellent conversion to FA, up to 97.9%, with a selectivity to 95.4%. The superior activity is attributed to the formation of a PtCuCo alloy (Pt-Cu-Co sites) over the high-surface-area mesoporous silica. Structural and chemical characterizations indicate the formation of the PtCuCo alloy nanoparticles (NPs) in the catalyst is highly beneficial to the hydrogenolysis of furfural to produce intermediates, which are further hydrogenated to produce FA, with remarkable selectivity and efficiency.

Cerium oxide-based nanozyme suppresses kidney calcium oxalate crystal depositions via reversing hyperoxaluria-induced oxidative stress damage

Oxidative stress damage to renal epithelial cells is the main pathological factor of calcium oxalate calculi formation. The development of medicine that could alleviate oxidative damage has become the key to the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis. Herein, porous nanorods CeO2 nanoparticles (CNPs) were selected from CeO2 with different morphologies as an antioxidant reagent to suppress kidney calcium oxalate crystal depositions with excellent oxidation resistance due to its larger specific surface area. The reversible transformation from Ce3+ to Ce4+ could catalyze the decomposition of excess free radicals and act as a biological antioxidant enzyme basing on its strong ability to scavenge free radicals. The protection capability of CNPS against oxalate-induced damage and the effect of CNPS on calcium oxalate crystallization were studied. CNPS could effectively reduce reactive oxygen species production, restore mitochondrial membrane potential polarity, recover cell cycle progression, reduce cell death, and inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate crystals on the cell surface in vitro. The results of high-throughput sequencing of mRNA showed that CNPs could protect renal epithelial cells from oxidative stress damage caused by high oxalate by suppressing the expression gene of cell surface adhesion proteins. In addition, CNPS can significantly reduce the pathological damage of renal tubules and inhibit the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in rat kidneys while having no significant side effect on other organs and physiological indicators in vivo. Our results provide a new strategy for CNPS as a potential for clinical prevention of crystalline kidney injury and crystal deposition.

Ultrasensitive multiplex SERS immunoassay based on porous Au–Ag alloy nanoparticle–amplified Raman signal probe and encoded photonic crystal beads

An ultrasensitive multiplex surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay was developed using porous Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles (p-AuAg NPs) as Raman signal amplification probe coupling with encoded photonic crystal microsphere. p-AuAg NPs were synthesized and modified with the second antibody (Ab2) and Raman tag (mercaptobenzoic acid, MBA) to prepare aRaman signal-amplified probe. The high porosity of the p-AuAg NPs enables significant coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance and thus abundant inherent hotspots for Raman signal enhancement. 3D-ordered silver nanoparticles-coated silica photonic crystal beads (Ag/SPCBs) were prepared as encoded SERS substrate for multiplex detection using their reflection peaks. Thesignal-amplified probe was used for multiplex detection of tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). The wide linear ranges of 10-7-103ng/mL for CEA and 10-4-103ng/mL for AFP with detection limits of 1.22 × 10-8ng/mL and 2.47 × 10-5ng/mL for CEA and AFP at asignal-to-noise ratio of 3 were obtained. The proposed multiplex SERS immunoassay method displays ultrahigh sensitivity, wide linear range, and excellent specificity, which can be successfully applied to measure clinical serum samples with satisfactory results. The research provides a novel SERS signal enhancement strategy for the multiplex bioassay.

Highly customized porous TiO2-PANI nanoparticles with excellent photocatalytic efficiency for dye degradation

The present work encompasses a simple strategy to synthesize highly porous TiO2 by incorporating PANI polymer into the sol-gel chemistry of Titanium dioxide/Titanium (IV)-iso-propoxide (TiO2/TTIP). A series of TiO2 samples by varying wt.% of PANI, have been synthesized. A probable growth mechanism has been presented for the formation of a porous ginger-like nanostructure of TiO2-PANI (TP). HRTEM images reveal that the particle size range is 6–16 nm for pristine TiO2 and 5–13 nm for TP samples. XPS analysis confirms the presence of the hydrogen bonds in-between surface hydroxyl groups (Ti–OH) of TiO2 and the protonated nitrogen of PANI. UV–visible absorption study reveals a small shift towards longer wavelength for TP8 sample than that of pristine TiO2 (λmax = 314 nm) as well as reduction in Eg value from 3.02 eV to 2.89 eV. FTIR results confirm the successful interaction of PANI and TiO2. BJH and BET analysis confirms an increase of porosity in TP8 sample with an average pore volume of 0.36 cm3 g−1. High photocatalytic activity (98.77%) towards Methylene blue dye degradation is observed for TP8 sample having 8 wt% of PANI and it is explained through the combined effect of structural porosity of TiO2 and synergic effect of PANI. The Kappa value at pH 11 (0.01372 min−1) is found to be 7.84-folds higher than that of the photocatalytic reaction at pH 3 (Kappa = 0.00175 min−1). While pristine TiO2 exhibits the minimum removal efficiency (89.57%) with Kappa of 0.00756 min−1. Kappa value of catalysis reaction for TP8 is found to be almost 2-fold higher than pristine TiO2. Quantum Yield value for TP8 is found to be 3.59 × 10−4 molecules photon−1. This high Quantum Yield value of present photocatalytic system explicates the low energy consumption for the treatment of textile dye pollutant. Additionally, STY value (1.79 × 10−5 molecules photon−1 mg−1) confirms the outstanding mineralization strength of TP8 by a unit mass for high amounts of MB dye per unit time. Thus, the present study offers an excellent photocatalyst i.e., TP8 having 8 wt% of PANI for the degradation of MB dye.

"Electron Complementation"-Induced Molybdenum Nitride/Co-Anchored Graphitic Carbon Nitride Porous Nanoparticles for Efficient Overall Water Splitting.

Maximizing the usable space of electrocatalysts and fine-tuning the interface geometry as well as the electronic structure to facilitate hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) have always been the focus of research. Herein, a homogeneous porous nanoparticle construction strategy was proposed, in which molybdenum nitride (Mo2N) particles were prepared by controlled heat treatment of the precursor nanoparticle induced by polyethylene glycol, and the Mo2N/Co-C3N4 heterostructure with a pore size of about 1.13 nm was obtained by compounding Co-anchored graphitic carbon nitride. In particular, exploring the change of charge distribution at the interface based on the principle of "electron complementation" shows that under the regulation of nitrogen with high electronegativity, the affinity of active site Co to oxygenated species in the OER process and the adsorption as well as cleavage ability of HER reactants in the active site were effectively optimized. Thus, Mo2N/Co-C3N4 not only inherits the functions of each component, but also provides an ideal heterogeneous interface for exhibiting impressive bifunctional activity, which only needs 100 and 210 mV to deliver 10 mA cm-2 for the HER and OER, respectively. In addition, the Mo2N/Co-C3N4 catalyst also demonstrates high overall water splitting stability with a slight current decrease after 95 h. Manipulating the electronic structure of multiple sites by constructing electronically complementary interfaces may provide another avenue to develop highly active catalysts for overall water splitting and other applications.

Faradic Side Reactions at Novel Carbon Flow‐Through Electrodes for Desalination Studied in a Static Supercapacitor Architecture

Desalination by capacitive deionization (CDI) is a promising technique to combine desalination and energy storage. The efficiency of charge storage process, which is equivalent to the desalination process, depends strongly on the presence of Faradic side reactions on the electrode. Herein, the performance of a new low‐cost designed flow‐through electrode with porous carbon nanoparticles (CP) coating on carbon‐fiber paper (CFP) is evaluated. The CP layer enables high capacitance while the CFP core makes fluid dynamics along and across the electrode. The electrodes are evaluated by studying the effective operational CDI parameters, such as operational voltage, degassing of electrolyte, and salt concentration. The Faradic side reaction and its effect on charge efficiency (CE) are evaluated which are estimated to decrease to 46% by liquid flow bringing dissolved oxygen from the air‐electrolyte interface to the electrode. The CE enhances to 59% with a salt concentration of 1 m. By purging N2 gas, CE is much higher (>85%) with a maximum efficiency of 97% at 0.6 V. Three regimes of the complex kinetic of side reactions are found involving various species such as O2, H2O2, H2, and carbon oxidation and the implication of those regimes for real applications are discussed.

Target-triggered UCNPs/Fe3O4 @PCN-224 assembly for the detection of cadmium ions by upconversion fluorescence and magnetic relaxation switch dual-mode immunosensor

A dual-mode immunosensor based on upconversion fluorescence (UCFL) and magnetic relaxation switch (MRS) was developed for the anti-interference and sensitive detection of cadmium ion (Cd2+). In this strategy, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and magnetic porous coordination network nanoparticles (Fe3O4 @PCN-224) were employed to form the UCNPs/Fe3O4 @PCN-224 assembly through immune recognition of antigen and antibody. The fluorescence of UCNPs was quenched by the Fe3O4 @PCN-224 due to good adsorption quenching abilities of Fe3O4 @PCN-224. The relaxation performance of the Fe3O4 @PCN-224 was enhanced by the assembling UCNPs on the surface of Fe3O4 @PCN-224, which causing difficulty access of water molecular into the porous structured Fe3O4 @PCN-224. Owing to the anti-background fluorescence interference of UCNPs, the UCFL mode solved the interference of pigment fluorescence in pellucid or colored samples, such as red wine. Due to the quick pre-treament capability of Fe3O4 @PCN-224 at the magnetic field, the MRS mode overcame the disturbance of turbid and opaque samples, such as egg and soymilk. The presence of Cd2+ could affect the assembly process of UCNPs and Fe3O4 @PCN-224. Therefore, the Cd2+ could be detected by UCFL and MRS dual-mode immunosensor. The limits of detection of UCFL and MRS modes for detection of Cd2+ were 0.038 ng/mL and 0.16 ng/mL, respectively. This study provided a valuable information on the development of dual-mode immunosensor for the detection of Cd2+ in foods and had a broad application prospect in rapid detection.

Construction of porous Si/Ag@C anode for lithium-ion battery by recycling volatile deposition waste derived from refining silicon

Owing to the rapid advancement of the photovoltaic industry, a lot of photovoltaic (PV) silicon waste will be generated. Thus, the recycling and reuse of waste silicon have become particularly important, both for environmental remediation and economic benefits. In this work, a special structure of porous Si nanoparticles embedded nano-Ag and coated carbon layer (P-SiNPs/Ag@C) was produced by silver-assisted chemical etching (Ag-ACE) the deposited silicon waste. The special porous structure and carbon layer coating can effectively address the volume expansion issues during charge/discharge. The intercalated Ag nanoparticles greatly reduced the transfer impedance and enhanced the electrical conductivity of the anode material. As a result, the novel-designed P-SiNPs/Ag@C anode can maintain a prominent reversible capacity (1521 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 50 cycles) and outstanding rate performance (1099 mAh·g−1 at 2 A g−1). When the current density at 1 A g−1, the specific capacity still maintains at 706 mAh·g−1 over 300 cycles. The superiority of the prepared P-SiNPs/Ag@C structures was further confirmed by Comsol Multiphysics software. Impressively, the synthesis route provides a novel avenue for value-added utilization of residual silicon waste resources from EB refining silicon and the preparation of high-performance lithium battery silicon-based anode.

Hydrothermal synthesis of flake-like cobalt oxide nanoparticles for electromagnetic waves absorption at X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) frequency

Flake-like Co3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by a facile hydrothermal synthesis method at 200 °C for 8 h, 10 h, and 12 h and labelled FCo8, FCo10, and FCo12. The electromagnetic properties of the samples were investigated at the X-band frequency. The XRD, RAMAN, TGA, FESEM, and XPS were studied to determine the chemical composition and morphology of the samples. The sample's electromagnetic performance mainly depends on multiple reflections, interfacial polarization, and magnetic loss. The results showed that the flake-like Co3O4 prepared at 200 °C for 12 h (FCo12) exhibits a minimum reflection loss of −42.4 dB at 11.7 GHz and an absorber thickness of 3.0 mm. The effective absorption bandwidth was also below −10 dB. This study provides a facile method to synthesize porous flake-like Co3O4 nanoparticles with excellent properties for effective microwave absorption performance at the X-band frequency.

A controllable SERS biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of miRNAs based on porous MOFs and subject-object recognition ability

In this work, a simple and sensitive SERS-based miRNA biosensor was constructed based on porous MOFs nanoparticles and efficient subject-object recognition ability. MOFs as a container can package lots of signal probe neutral red (NR) for the advantages of three dimensional structure and porosity. The partially complementary duplex DNA can as a “lock” to lock up the hole for obtaining a weak Raman signal. In the present of miRNA, miRNA just like a “key” to open the duplex structure with the results of releasing NR. At this time, the released NR can be captured by SERS substrate AuNS@CB[7] for the subject-object recognition ability to produce a strong Raman signal which was positive correlation to target miRNA. By this way, the proposed SERS biosensor can achieve sensitively and selectively detect miRNA with a detection limit of 0.562 fM. This MOF-based SERS biosensor also be hopeful application for clinical diagnostics.

A hybrid solidification enhancement in a latent-heat storage system with nanoparticles, porous foam, and fin-aided foam strips

The relatively high storage density and negligible temperature stratification of phase-changing materials (PCMs) facilitate their application as storage modules for managing the mismatch between energy generation and consumption. The poor heat diffusivity of these materials limits their storage effectiveness, and therefore employing efficient thermal enhancers is required. This study examines the fin-aided foam strip as a hybrid enhancer for overcoming the relatively low thermal response of erythritol as PCM in a triple-pipe containment system. Four different enhancement additives, including porous foam, graphene nanoparticles, longitudinal fins, and foam strips within the same volume limitations, were compared and tested via applying an experimentally validated simulation model to verify the functionality of the proposed thermal enhancers. The results show that the inclusion of full foam, fin arrays, and fin-assisted foam strips substantially enhances the solidifying behaviour of PCM as compared to the inclusion of nanoparticles alone. The solidifying time can be decreased by 60.8 %, 63.2 %, and 77.3 %, while the recovery rate can be increased by 152.9, 171.6 %, and 340.1 %, respectively. The results also suggest that increasing the length of strips while decreasing their thickness can further enhance the thermal response of PCM for solidification within the same volume limitations.

Novel Slow-Release Defoamers for Concrete Using Porous Nanoparticles as Carriers.

Excess large and unstable air bubbles can reduce the compressive strength of hardened concrete, and traditional defoamers always fail because of adsorption and encapsulation on cement with the progress of cement hydration in later stages. It is necessary to develop a novel defoamer that shows a sustained defoaming ability in fresh concrete. A novel slow-release defoamer for concrete using porous nanoparticles as carriers is reported for the first time. The porous nanoparticles/polyether defoamer composite (SiO2-Def) was prepared via sol-gel method. SiO2-Def is a spherical composite nanoparticle with a size range of 160-200 nm and a uniform pore size distribution. SiO2-Def shows a high load rate of about 16.4% and an excellent release under an alkali and salt environment. It has a weak initial defoaming ability but shows a sustained defoaming ability with time, so that it can avoid the failures of defoamers and eliminate harmful bubbles entrained during the processes of pumping and transportation. Moreover, SiO2-Def produced a higher compressive strength of the hardened cement mortars.

Porous sulfur-doped titanium dioxide for improving photocatalytic VOC removal and biological disinfection under low intensity fluorescent light

In this research work, we have utilized the probe sonication assisted sol-gel method to prepare highly active porous sulfur doped TiO2 (PST). The cationic sulfur (S6+) doped into the TiO2 lattice created a new intermediate level (S2p) between the valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB). The doping of sulfur on TiO2 led to additional absorption features in the visible region. The spherical-shaped porous PST nanoparticles were confirmed from SEM which influence the active sites for the photocatalytic performance. Instantaneous decomposition of pollutant p-xylene, a carcinogenic volatile organic compound, was accomplished using the stable PST photocatalyst working under low intensity fluorescent visible light. PST characterized by a pure anatase crystal structure, a high specific surface area of 76m2/g (1.52 times greater than commercial P25) and a pore size of 17 nm favored a substantially increased adsorption of VOC molecule on the catalyst surface and enhanced the photocatalytic activity with respect to p-xylene decomposition. Disinfecting effect of PST photocatalyst against E.coli was also investigated. Therefore, the high efficient PST functions as a multipurpose photocatalyst and could be used in air purification treatment due to its high recyclability.

High-efficiency adsorption removal of CR and MG dyes using AlOOH fibers embedded with porous CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Owing to the toxicity and difficulty in degradation, how to the effective separation for the residual dyes in the aqueous solution is still an issue with great challenge in the area of environmental protection. Now, to high-efficiency removal of organic dyes from the aqueous solution, we design a unique AlOOH/CoFe2O4 adsorbent with porous CoFe2O4 nanoparticles embedded on the AlOOH fibers using a simple hydrothermal technique and calcination process. The structural properties and surface characteristics of the AlOOH/CoFe2O4 composites are detailedly analyzed by XRD, FTIR, XPS, TEM and SEM. Here, the high SBET and specific porous structure are beneficial to improve the adsorption performance of AlOOH/CoFe2O4 adsorbents. Especially, when the molar ratio of AlOOH to CoFe2O4 in the AlOOH/CoFe2O4 fibers is 1:1, an optimal performance on adsorbing anionic Congo red (CR) and cationic methyl green (MG) dyes can be obtained at pH = 6.29, where the corresponding maximum adsorption capacities reach up to 565.0 and 423.7 mg g−1, respectively. Factors leading to the change in the ability of adsorbing CR and MG dyes are systematically discussed, including contact time, temperature, initial concentrations, and pH values of the solutions. Meanwhile, the uptake of CR and MG dyes can best conform to Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics. The thermodynamic analysis verifies that the dye adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Moreover, from the point view of practical application, the good reusability further makes the as-synthesized magnetic AlOOH/CoFe2O4 composite be a perfect adsorbent with efficiently removing both anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions.

Synthesis of low-band gap porous zirconia nanoparticles via greener-route: Mechanistic investigation and their applications

Zirconia nanoparticles are one of the significant metal oxide nanoparticles, due to their diverse applications in biomedical science such as dentistry, drug delivery, and catalytic science. Among the various synthetic methods employed for the preparation of nanoparticles (NPs), the greener plant-mediated route is anticipated to be the simplest and most economically viable pathway. In the present work, spherical zirconia nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by mixing a solution of zirconium oxychloride octahydrate and extract of green tea leaves followed by heating at 90 °C, drying at 120 °C, and finally calcining at 550 °C for 4 h. The prepared material was characterized by both spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and was found to be crystalline in nature and exhibited both monoclinic and tetragonal phases. The obtained XRD data were further verified through the Rietveld refinement method. The refinement confirmed that the prepared sample has tetragonal and monoclinic phases in 62.66 and 37.34% with space groups P 42/nmc and P121/c1, respectively. Furthermore, microscopic studies reveal the formation of polygonal nanoparticles having size of ∼7 nm. Interestingly, the values of crystallite and particle sizes were found to be in contrast to each other. In order to gain a mechanistic understanding of the pathway followed in the preparation and stabilization of the zirconia nanoparticles via the organic components of tea extracts, theoretical studies were performed. The prepared zirconia nanoparticles were evaluated for their photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity against five different pathogenic bacteria. These studies would find applications in pharmacy, the biomedical field, and photocatalysis.

Regulation of the Co–Nx Active Sites of MOF-Templated Co@NC Catalysts via Au Doping for Boosting Oxidative Esterification of Alcohols

The Co–Nx active sites play a critical role over the Co@NC catalyst in the heterogeneous catalysis. However, the effective methods for the regulation of the content and electronic structure of Co–Nx active sites to enhance the catalytic efficiency of heterogeneous catalysts are still insufficient. Herein, a nitrogen-doped porous carbon-encapsulated Au-doped Co nanoparticle catalysts with abundant and electron-rich Co–Nx sites in the outer carbon layer was designed by a Au doping strategy through pyrolysis of the HAuCl4-modified ZIF-67 metal organic framework precursor. The optimal catalyst exhibits improved catalytic performance in alcohol selective oxidative esterification. The linear relationship between the ester yield and Co–Nx species content, combined with a series of control experiments, indicated that the Co–Nx active sites are crucial for achieving the excellent catalytic activity (yield: 99.9%). In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, O2-temperature-programed desorption characterizations, active oxygen species quenching experiments together with density functional theory calculations results indicate that Au doping in the Co nanoparticle core increases the content and the electron density of Co–Nx species on the outer carbon shell, which enhanced the chemical adsorption and activation of molecular O2 for producing reactive O2•– species. This study demonstrated a novel Co–Nx active site regulation strategy for the efficient selective oxidative esterification of alcohols under mild reaction conditions.

Fe3Se4 rice grains anchored on cotton-derived porous carbon network for enhanced sodium ion storage and hydrogen evolution reactions

Transition-metal selenides have been regarded as promising anode materials for energy storage and conversion fields. However, their practical application is hindered by volume expansion, polyselenide dissolution, and sluggish kinetics. Herein, porous Fe3Se4 rice grains were successfully encapsulated on cotton derived carbon network (CN@Fe3Se4@C) by facile solvothermal method combined with in-situ selenization process. Beneficial from the unique structure, the CN@Fe3Se4@C electrode exhibits excellent sodium storage properties (302 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 after 500 cycles) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) performance (an overpotential of 168 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and a low Tafel slope of 77 mV dec−1). Electrochemical mechanism investigations demonstrate that the carbon coated porous Fe3Se4 nanoparticles and ant nest-like carbon network can shorten the diffusion path for Na+ ions and suppress volume expansion. Meanwhile, the 3D interconnected porous carbon framework can provide multiple channels for fast electron transport and improve electron conductivity. In addition, the thin amorphous carbon layers on individual Fe3Se4 rice grains can well inhibit the shuttle effect of polysulfides and the agglomeration of Fe3Se4, ensuring fast kinetics and long-term stability. This study reveals the great potential of CN@Fe3Se4@C as active materials for sodium ion batteries and hydrogen production.

Acetone sensor based on porous nickel ferrite nanoparticles

Acetone sensor based on porous nickel ferrite nanoparticles

Low-temperature organic solvent-based synthesis of amorphous porous carbon nanoparticles with high specific surface area at ambient atmosphere

The conventional synthesis of porous carbon materials is primarily relied on the activation and template process. This work successfully develops a one-step method for preparing amorphous porous carbon nanoparticles (APCNs) with a high specific surface area (SSA) in organic solvents under ambient atmosphere. The APCNs are formed mainly by the reaction of ferrocene with ammonium chloride at only 180 °C for 1 h in different solvents. Several ferrocene derivatives and KOH activation are also utilized to improve the textural properties of the APCNs. It is found that the high solubility of (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe and FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O in a solvent is the most essential factor associated with the decrease of carbon nanoparticle size. The smaller the nanoparticle size, the larger the SSA of APCNs. The APCNs prepared in phenoxyethanol have a median size of 32.74 nm, exhibiting an SSA of 689 m 2 /g. The high solubility of NH 4 Cl can also contribute to reducing the nanoparticle size. The binary solvent consisting of phenoxyethanol and glycol has an excellent solubility for (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Fe, FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O, and NH 4 Cl, in which the prepared APCNs have a median size 11.48 nm and a higher SSA of 936 m 2 /g. Besides, the benzoyl substituted group on the cyclopentadiene can facilitate formation of small mesopores. The oxygen and nitrogen are in situ doped in the APCNs. Activation is also effective, and the SSA of APCNs reaches a maximum value of 1575 m 2 /g at a KOH ratio of 2:1. The solvent-based synthesis is unique and competitive in terms of high efficiency and energy conservation. • A novel liquid-phase method for preparing amorphous porous carbon nanoparticles is developed based on an oxidation mechanism. • The synthesis is carried out at ambient atmosphere at 180 °C. • The specific surface area and pore volume are 936.11 m 2 /g and 1.45 cm 3 /g, respectively.