Synthesis, characterization and energy-related applications of carbide-derived carbons obtained by the chlorination of boron carbide

A nanoporous carbide-derived carbon (CDC) was synthesized by chlorination of boron carbide powder using hydrogen chloride as the reactive gas. The structure and texture of the CDCs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microcopy and nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, which confirmed a structural and textural dependence on chlorination temperature and reaction time. The CDC technique to produce porous carbons is very attractive because it can obtain carbons with desired structure and porosity and the CDCs produced here show great potential for energy-related applications. Used as hydrogen storage materials, the hydrogen uptake capacity could reach 1.06 wt.% at 77K and 1 bar. When tested as electrodes for supercapacitors, specific surface capacitance value up to 0.403 F m(-2) and a capacitance retention ratio up to 86% (at a voltage scan rate of So mV s(-1)) could be obtained. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.