Honeycomb-like graphitic ordered macroporous carbon prepared by pyrolysis of ammonium bicarbonate

Honeycomb-like graphitic macroporous carbon (HGMC) was synthesized by means of pyrolysis of NH4HCO3 using Mg powder as reductant in an autoclave at 550 °C. The characterization of structure and morphology was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and (High-resolution) transmission electron microscope [(HR)TEM]. The results of nitrogen adsorption–desorption indicate that the products are macropore materials with the pore size of 1–3 μm, and the Brunauer–Emett–Teller (BET) surface area was 14 m2/g. As a typical morphology, the possible growth process of HGMC was also investigated and discussed. The experimental results show that the in situ formed MgO microparticles play a template role during the HGMC formation.