Carbon as a support for catalysts—III glassy carbon as a support for iron

As described in the Hucke patent, glassy carbons containing not only open pores of molecular size but also pores in the transitional or macropore range can be produced from appropriate formulations. The formulation always consists of a carbon-yielding monomer, an organic to yield larger pores upon its removal once the monomer has been partially polymerized, and a polymerization catalyst. It may contain a dispersing agent, depending upon the size of the larger pores which is desired. In this study, furfuryl alcohol was the monomer. Great flexibility is shown to exist in the total surface areas of the carbons which can be produced, degree of carbon molecular sieving in the super micropores, and pore volume and pore size in the larger pores following polymerization and carbonization steps. Different ways of adding iron into the mix are explored which also can have pronounced effects on the nature of the porosity in the final carbons. Further modification is shown upon addition of potassium or boron into the mix. Carbons produced are expected to have potential as catalyst supports.