Nanostructure characterization of carbide-derived carbons by morphological analysis of transmission electron microscopy images combined with physisorption and Raman spectroscopy

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Martin Oschatz - , Utrecht University (Author)
  • Pascaline Pré - , École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Author)
  • Susanne Dörfler - , Chair of Inorganic Chemistry I (Author)
  • Winfried Nickel - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Patricia Beaunier - , Sorbonne Université (Author)
  • Jean Noël Rouzaud - , French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) (Author)
  • Cathleen Fischer - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Eike Brunner - , Chair of Bioanalytical Chemistry (Author)
  • Stefan Kaskel - , Chair of Inorganic Chemistry I (Author)

Abstract

A novel image processing method based on mathematical morphology is applied in order to characterize the nanostructure of carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) observed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The analysis provides information about the shape and disordered arrangement of the defective polyaromatic units forming the CDC nanostructure. Individual fringes, basic structural units, and continuous domains are analysed. Hierarchical polycarbosilane-based CDCs obtained at different pyrolysis/chlorination temperatures are investigated. The information collected is interpreted with respect to the different synthesis conditions. This analysis is supported by Raman spectroscopy measurements and porosity evaluation with nitrogen (-196 °C) and carbon dioxide (0 °C) physisorption. The CDCs show only minor differences in the carbon nanostructures. The HRTEM image analysis is sensitive enough to illuminate the slight variations. An increase in carbon ordering at higher synthesis temperature and a rather folded structure with higher tortuosity of the fringes with increasing micropore volume is observed. These findings are complementary to the data obtained from nitrogen and carbon dioxide physisorption experiments as well as from Raman spectroscopy, showing a less defective microstructure of the CDCs prepared at higher pyrolysis/chlorination temperatures. The results also prove the precise control over the nanostructure of CDCs provided by the synthesis temperature.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)314-322
Number of pages9
JournalCarbon
Volume105
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2016
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords