NANOSCALE CARBON-BLACKS PRODUCED BY CO2-LASER PYROLYSIS

CO2 laser pyrolysis has been used to synthesize carbon black (particle diameter similar to 30 nm) via a catalytically driven pyrolysis of be nzene vapor. The H:C ratio is found to be similar to 1:10, which is un usually high for carbon blacks, Subsequent heat treatment of the ''las er black'' to temperatures up to similar to 2800 degrees C produces we ll-graphitized faceted particles with central polygonal cavities. High resolution TEM lattice imaging, Raman scattering, and x-ray diffracti on have been used to characterize the morphological structure of these carbon particles in their as-synthesized and heat-treated forms, Furt hermore, KOH treatment at similar to 800 degrees C has been employed t o activate the as-synthesized particles, producing a tenfold increase in the surface area from 50 to 700 m(2)/g. Possible pore structures ge nerated during this activation process have been identified by high re solution TEM imaging.