Lignin based synthesis of carbon nanocages assembled from graphitic layers with hierarchical pore structure

Graphitic carbon nanocages (GCNCs) with hierarchical pore structure have been synthesized by a simple low temperature carbonization process. Bio-renewable lignin was introduced as a low-cost and industrially available precursor for the first time. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectrum. XRD pattern and Raman spectrum showed that the product had a high degree of graphitization crystallinity. TEM indicated that the GCNCs have a hierarchical pore structure with graphitic frameworks. CO2 capture tests approved that the GCNCs exhibited a pretty elevated adsorption capacity (28.7 mg g(-1)), which can be attributed to the hollow nanocage structure and hierarchical porosity of lignin based GCNCs. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.