Synthesis of Japanese-Solid-Calligraphy Ink with Soot and Glue as a Xerogel Chemistry Teaching Aid

Xerogels, exemplified by silica gel, are substances formed by drying gels, resulting in a loss of their internal solvents. Understanding the production and properties of xerogels is crucial, owing to their widespread applications. Xerogel chemistry is widely utilized in several substances; therefore, understanding this chemistry is extremely important for high school students. This study introduces a laboratory-based approach for producing solid-calligraphy inks in which carbon xerogels are synthesized from soot and glue. The approach mimics the production of solid-calligraphy ink prepared by craftsmen. Notably, solid-calligraphy inks exhibit extended storage capabilities beyond 1000 years and can be effortlessly transformed into liquid dispersions via mortar-based agitation. The liquid inks derived from the synthesized xerogels facilitate calligraphy, rendering them invaluable teaching materials. These materials offer pathways for safe, cost-effective, environment-friendly, and straightforward experiments using familiar resources (soot, glue, and mortar) while allowing students to experience xerogels both visually and tactilely, enhancing high school chemistry education. Furthermore, students who have performed the experiments have stated that these materials are "fun" and allow them to enjoy becoming familiar with the chemical contents of xerogels. Thus, these teaching materials are unique and stimulate the intellectual curiosity of students by allowing them to understand the composition and properties of xerogels, while simultaneously experiencing Japanese culture and enjoying calligraphy.