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 HF solution after carbonization. The GP-carbon exhibited highly graphitic properties with surface area of 425 m²/g and pore volume 0.42 cm³/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.