Thermal-processing study for tuning the porous properties of carbon cryogels

Abstract

Suitable pore sizes in micropores and mesopores, as well as high surface area, are required in the field of carbon electrode for electric double layer capacitor. Although activation method can increase surface area and pore sizes, the mass loss and energy consumption must be needed. We propose the new route to adjust the micropores and the mesopores of carbon cryogels by using thermal processing during the carbon gel preparation. The two thermal processings, hydrothermal and acidic-thermal, are utilized and the porous properties of treated carbon cryogels are observed. The results demonstrate that these two thermal processings can tune the micropore sizes and mesopore sizes. The tunable condition should be optimized.