Preparation of Microporous Carbon Fibers through Carbonization of Al-Based Porous Coordination Polymer (Al-PCP) with Furfuryl Alcohol

Here, we report preparation of microporous carbon fibers through carbonization of an Al-based porous coordination polymer (Al-PCP) with furfuryl alcohol (FA) at 1000 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. During the carbonization process, the Al species are aggregated to form γ-alumina nanoparticles. After the carbonization, the γ-alumina nanoparticles (from 2 to 10 nm) are distributed over the entire area. By chemical treatment with HF, the γ-alumina nanoparticles can be easily removed to obtain pure microporous carbon. Interestingly, the fibrous morphology of the original Al-PCP is successfully retained after the carbonization process. The effect of the loading amount of FA into the porous networks of Al-PCP on properties of the obtained microporous carbon is carefully examined. From the N2 adsorption−desorption isotherms, an increase in the BET surface area upon increasing the loading amount of FA is observed. The maximum surface area and pore volume of the obtained microporous carbon reach 513 m2/g and 0.844 cc/g, respectively.