Sol–Gel Synthesis of Porous Carbon Materials Using Nanocrystalline Cellulose as a Template

Sol–gel method has been employed for preparing porous carbon materials (xerogels and aerogels) using nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as a template. The method includes sol–gel synthesis of inorganic silica matrix (using tetraethoxysilane as SiO2 precursor) and carbonization of NCC under inert atmosphere followed by removal of SiO2 by refluxing in alkali solution. Factors affecting formation of porous carbon structure and resultant porous carbon materials have been studied.