Fabrication of activated carbons with well-defined macropores derived from sulfonated poly(divinylbenzene) networks

Poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) monoliths with well-defined macropores that have been sulfonated and carbonized to obtain macroporous carbon monoliths. The original macroporous PDVB networks have been synthesized by living radical polymerization accompanied by spinodal decomposition. Sulfonation prevents polymer networks from large shrinkage and weight loss during carbonization by heat-treatment in an inert atmosphere. In the case of PDVB gels sulfonated at 120 °C using conc. H₂SO₄, mesopores in the original skeletons as well as macropores are retained after carbonization. The obtained carbon monoliths are subsequently activated by CO₂, which resulted in activated carbons. The specific surface area of the obtained activated carbons reaches up to 2360 m² g⁻¹.