Formation of Foam-like Microstructural Carbon Material by Carbonization of Porous Coordination Polymers through a Ligand-Assisted Foaming Process

Porous carbon material with a foam-like microstructure has been synthesized by direct carbonization of porous coordination polymer (PCP). In situ generation of foaming agents by chemical reactions of ligands in PCP during carbonization provides a simple way to create lightweight carbon material with a foam-like microstructure. Among several substituents investigated, the nitro group has been shown to be the key to obtain the unique foam-like microstructure, which is due to the fast kinetics of gas evolution during carbonization. Foam-like microstructural carbon materials showed higher pore volume and specific capacitance compared to a microporous carbon. Lightweight and porous carbon material with a foam-like microstructure has been synthesized by direct carbonization of a porous coordination polymer (PCP). A nitro group was the key to obtain the foam-like microstructure. These foam-like microstructural carbon materials showed higher pore volume and higher specific capacitance compared to a microporous carbon.