Synthesis of transition metal-doped carbon xerogels by solubilization of metal salts in resorcinol–formaldehyde aqueous solution

The pore texture of carbon materials obtained from evaporative drying and pyrolysis of resorcinol–formaldehyde aqueous gels is controlled by the initial pH of the precursors solution. In order to produce transition metal-containing carbons with tailored texture, various metallic salts were dissolved in the precursors solution. When necessary, a complexing agent (HEDTA or DTPA) was added to render the metal ions soluble. Ni, Fe and Pd loaded carbon xerogels were synthesized and their pore texture was studied after evaporative drying and after pyrolysis. The carbon texture was also studied with regard to the nature of the metal and the amount of complexing agent. The solubilization of transition metal salts in the resorcinol–formaldehyde aqueous solution does not prevent the texture regulation, even though this texture control is influenced: the limits of the pH interval leading to micro–mesoporous carbon materials can slightly differ when a metal salt and/or a complexing agent are added. The pH range shift depends mainly on the amount and nature of the complexing agent, but also slightly on the nature of the metal ion. Nevertheless, the metal particles obtained are rather big (diameter > 15 nm). For catalytic applications, the metal dispersion must be enhanced, especially in the case of expensive metals.