Simple synthesis of graphitic porous carbon by hydrothermal method for use as a catalyst support in methanol electro-oxidation

Graphitic porous carbon (GP-carbon) was prepared using non-toxic and economical carbon precursor (sucrose) by a simple hydrothermal Method Under a relatively low pyrolysis temperature Uniform silica particles (100) nm were used as pore-forming templates and etched by HE Solution after carbonization. The GP-carbon exhibited highly graphitic properties with Surface area of 425 m(2)/g and pore volume 0.42 cm(3)/g. The GP-carbon showed superior performance as a catalyst support in methanol electro-oxidation. The enhanced activity would be closely related to advantageous properties resulting from highly-developed graphitic structure of the GP-carbon. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.