Chemistry of synthesis, structure, preparation and application of aromatic-derived mesophase pitch

Mesophase pitch has been synthesized from pure aromatic hydrocarbons (naphthalene, methylnaphthalene) aided by an HF–BF3 catalyst. These synthesized pitches have better performance for many applications — carbon fibers, binders, and anode materials for lithium ion batteries etc. — because the purity and high aromaticity leads to high orientation. This paper discusses the kinds of pitch, the micro- to macrostructure, some properties, reactivity, and many applications.