Modifications produced by O2 and CO2 plasma treatments on a glassy carbon: comparison with molecular gases Original Research Article

A carbon material obtained by pyrolysis of polyfurfuryl alcohol was submitted to four different treatments. Two of these were carried out using molecular gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and two using plasma of the same molecules. The textural and chemical modifications produced by these treatments were studied by N2 and CO2 adsorption at 77 and 273 K, respectively, mercury porosimetry and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the changes in the external surface produced by the treatments were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Molecular carbon dioxide treatment opens and creates microporosity. However, plasma treatments mainly produce constrictions at the entrance of the micropores. The effect of the molecular treatments on the external surface is not easily observed, while plasmas treatments produce pits on the surface. The statistical analysis of these have been obtained in order to establish their evolution.