Solid-State Synthesis of Zeolite-Templated Carbons

The first solid-state synthesis of zeolite-templated carbons (ZTCs) is reported using anthracene as the carbon precursor in FAU-structured zeolite. The evolution of the anthracene molecule upon sublimation inside of the zeolite micropore system and its further condensation into larger polyaromatic species could be followed by DRUV and Raman spectroscopy. The development of the anthracene radical cation through spontaneous charge separation was found to play a fundamental role in the formation of the carbon skeleton. A cyclic radical formation and recombination behavior could be revealed by in situ EPR spectroscopy. Textural and chemical characterization of the hybrid (zeolite/ZTC) and ZTC upon zeolite removal allowed us to conclude that anthracene allows for achieving ZTC materials with transcribed morphological and textural properties of the template zeolite. The impact of the thermal treatment on the ZTC properties was further studied. ZTCs with emerging structural order could be achieved.