Preparation of Double-Layer Hollow Porous Carbon Microspheres by a Hydrothermal Method

Graphical Double-layer hollow porous carbon microspheres (DPCMs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method using sucrose as carbon source, SnCl 4 ⋅ 5H 2 O as the porogen, sodium dodecyl sulfate as the anionic surfactant, and sodium polyacrylate as dispersant. Double-layer hollow porous carbon microspheres (DPCMs) with high specific surface area (up to 57.3 m 2 /g) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using sucrose as the carbon source, SnCl4 ⋅ 5H 2 O as the porogen, and sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium polyacrylate as the anionic surfactant and dispersant, respectively. The thickness and morphology of the inner and outer layers of the DPCMs (spherical, bowl-like, mushroom-like, or ellipsoidal) could be adjusted by changing the hydrothermal conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) showed that the surface of the DPCMs was rich in −OH and −COOH functional groups, which was beneficial for subsequent chemical modification of the DPCMs. Because the prepared DPCM had a reactive surface layer and a stable carbonaceous double-layer structure, the material could be used in supercapacitors and biochemistry, and as catalyst carriers, adsorption materials, and electrode materials, among other applications.