IR spectroscopy studies of oxygen surface compounds on carbon

Spectral studies of oxidation process were carried out on carbon films prepared by carbonization of polyfurfuryl alcohol and of cellulose. Investigation of the oxygen role in the initial stages of carbonization shows that oxygen surface compounds formed during such process have different chemical structure from those produced during oxidation of carbonic film previously desorbed at 600°C. Chemisorption of oxygen at room temperature on the carbonic film (desorbed previously at 600°C) occurs with the participation of π electrons of condensed aromatic systems. Iono-radical structures formed during that process show absorption bands in the range of 1590cm⁻¹. Oxidation of the carbon films carbonized at 800°C causes a decrease in the absorption coefficient, and oxygen surface compounds formed show absorption bands at about 1760, 1600 and 1260cm⁻¹. The carbon film as a model substance gives possibilities for broader application of IR spectroscopy in studies of carbon, carbonization and activation processes, sorption effects and catalytic mechanisms.