Synthesis of carbon microrings using polymer blends as templates

Abstract

Carbon microrings were produced using a template based on phase separation of amylose/pentadecyl phenol (PDP)/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixtures. The two-step phase separation of the mixture showed a micron-sized porous structure in which the rim of the pores was enclosed by rings of PDP.PDP was converted into a carbon precursor resin via reaction with formaldehyde vapor followed by pyrolysis under nitrogen atmosphere, leading to a carbon microstructure with ring morphology. The products before and after pyrolysis were characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). AFM and SEM confirmed the ring morphology of the samples obtained after pyrolysis. The presence and phase of carbon were confirmed by EDX and XRD, respectively. This study demonstrates a straightforward novel route to prepare carbon microrings from a phenolic precursor using amylose as a matrix material.

Deciphering Structures of Inclusion Complexes of Amylose with Natural Phenolic Amphiphiles

“…Starch is composed of two distinct components: essentially linear or slightly branched amylose consisting of α-1,4-glycosidic bonds and highly branched amylopectin having α-1,4-glycosidic and α-1,6-glycosidic bonds. − The amylose chains have a helical hydrophobic interior cavity, and it is known to form inclusion complexes via hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions − with hydrophobic guest moieties such as dyes, flavors, , lactones, polymers, − and lipids. , The formation of the complex increases the physical and chemical stability of lipophilic guest molecules by shielding them against oxidation, evaporation, and decomposition. These kinds of inclusion complexes show their potential applications in food and pharmaceutical applications for nanoencapsulation, control release of the drugs, and flavor encapsulations …”

Development of Effective Porosity in Carbon Nanofibers Based on Phase Behavior of Ternary Polymer Blend Precursors: Toward High-Performance Electrode Materials

“…From a technical perspective, various kinds of polymers can be combined into single materials in many ways, often generating unprecedented and unique products. , Electrospinning is an efficient method that allows continuous production of submicrometer polymeric fibers . The microphase separation behavior of polymers has also been explored in the electrospinning process. − As an example, polymer fibers having core–shell structures can be fabricated directly using a coannular nozzle. , However, recent efforts have developed a single-nozzle technique relying on the microphase separation of binary polymer blends, requiring a careful balance of the main variables such as viscosity and miscibility. − Hence, an understanding of the microphase behavior of different polymers allows for the rational design and efficient fabrication of various functional materials with desired structures and properties. , However, the investigation of more complex systems containing more than two polymers in the presence of solvents is limited, despite the meaningful progress made for binary polymer blends. , …”

“…39−42 Hence, an understanding of the microphase behavior of different polymers allows for the rational design and efficient fabrication of various functional materials with desired structures and properties. 43,44 However, the investigation of more complex systems containing more than two polymers in the presence of solvents is limited, despite the meaningful progress made for binary polymer blends. 45,46 In this work, we systematically investigate how the phase behaviors of electrospun nanofibers consisting of ternary polymer blends affect the morphologies of the final carbonized nanofiber products (CNPs).…”