Abstract:
Organic aerogels, prepared by solgel polymerization of phenolic and furfural, were oxidized at 110 to 170℃ for 1 to 7h in air. The effect of oxidation temperature and time on the pore structure of the carbon aerogels was investigated. It is found that oxidation under appropriate conditions can stabilize a nanonetwork of organic aerogels during pyrolysis by preventing plasticity. However, the oxidative effect on micro, meso and macropores is quite different. A mild condition is appropriate for macropores while a severe condition is needed for meso and micropores due to a faster diffusion of air into macropores than into meso and micropores. The appropriate oxidation parameters for an improved mesopore volume and surface area are 130℃ for 7h or 150℃ for 3h in air.