Simple synthesis of semi-graphitized ordered mesoporous carbons with tunable pore sizes

Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) with adjustable pores were synthesized by using an ordered mesoporous silica, SBA-15 as a hard template and boric acid as a pore expanding agent. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 porosimetry, thermogravimetry, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Results show that the pore size of the prepared samples can be finely tuned in the range of 3–7 nm by using boric acid as the pore expanding agent. The OMCs possess extensive graphitic domains as evidenced by the well-resolved powder X-ray diffraction peaks, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscope images and thermogravimetric curves. This approach gives a simple method that can be widely used in the controlled synthesis of mesoporous carbons.