Sol–Gel Synthesis of Porous Carbon Materials Using Nanocrystalline Cellulose as a Template

Sol–gel method has been employed for preparing porous carbon materials (xerogels and aerogels) using nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as a template. The method includes sol–gel synthesis of inorganic silica matrix (using tetraethoxysilane as SiO 2 precursor) and carbonization of NCC under inert atmosphere followed by removal of SiO 2 by refluxing in alkali solution. Factors affecting formation of porous carbon structure and resultant porous carbon materials have been studied.