Synthesis of composite graphitic scaffolds using polysaccharide precursors

We describe a method for synthesizing porous carbon scaffolds embedded with metal particles. An analysis of the growth mechanism by esterification of polysaccharides at low pH is conducted. Iron-nitrate precursors nucleate iron particles via oxidative process when annealed under a reducing atmosphere and embedded within a porous carbon matrix. The process was then applied to other metal nitrates (Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, and Al). Co and Ni nanoparticles exhibited an encapsulating graphitic layer while Cu, Ag, and Al nanoparticles did not. A potential mechanism by which graphitic encapsulation takes place in Fe, Co, and Ni is suggested by comparison to phase separation during the growth of carbon nanotubes from catalytic metal nanoparticles. This flexible method for synthesizing composite porous carbon scaffolds with metal nanoparticles is achievable using cheap, environmentally benign precursors which can be employed in future applications toward capacitors, oil sorption, spill recovery, and bactericidal coatings. Graphical abstract