Influence of Synthesis Variables on the Textural Properties of Mesoporous Carbon Xerogels

Abstract

Influence of synthesis variables on the textural properties of mesoporous carbon xerogels is studied. Variables explored in synthesizing mesoporous carbon xerogels (CX) are: (i) initial formaldehyde/resorcinol molar ratio in preparing the sol, (ii) pH of sol-gel processing, (iii) temperature of gelling and subsequent curing of the gel, and (iv) mode of subcritical drying of the wet gel. Making of sol having formaldehyde/resorcinol molar ratio little higher than 2 and sol-gel processing at pH around 6 resulted in carbon xerogel with wide pores. Curing of gel at higher temperature resulted in carbon xerogel with narrower pores. Drying of the organic gel after exchanging water with low boiling organic solvent was highly beneficial in obtaining carbon xerogel with wider pores along with larger mesoporous area.