Controlled synthesis and functionalization of ordered large-pore mesoporous carbons

Abstract

Abstract Ordered mesoporous carbon C‐FDU‐18s with tunable pore sizes of 12−33 nm and pore wall thicknesses of 5−11 nm were synthesized by using poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(styrene) (PEO‐b‐PS) diblock copolymers with various PS chain lengths as templates and through the evaporation induced self‐assembly process. The obtained C‐FDU‐18 carbons possess face‐centered cubic mesostructure with Fm3m symmetry, large cell parameters varying from 32 to 54 nm, high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area up to 1000 m2 g−1 and large pore volume of about 0.7 cm3 g−1. By oxidative treatment of HNO3 and H2O2 mixed solution, numerous hydrophilic groups were created in the mesopore channels without destroying the ordered mesostructure of the C‐FDU‐18. Through the in situ reduction of Ag+, Ag nanoparticles (9.7 nm) were successfully introduced into the large mesopores, resulting in functional mesoporous carbons Ag–C‐FDU‐18 with stably trapped Ag nanoparticles. Similarly, by reduction of Fe3+ ions in the large mesopores, superparamagnetic Fe–C‐FDU‐18 with incorporated magnetic nanoparticles (6.2 nm) and fast magnetic response was synthesized. These functional large‐pore mesoporous carbons have high potential for application in various fields such as catalysis, chemical sensing, and magnetic separation and enrichment.