Honeycomb-like graphitic ordered macroporous carbon prepared by pyrolysis of ammonium bicarbonate

Honeycomb-like graphitic macroporous carbon (HGMC) was synthesized by means of pyrolysis of NH₄HCO₃ using Mg powder as reductant in an autoclave at 550 °C. The characterization of structure and morphology was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and (High-resolution) transmission electron microscope (HR)TEM]. The results of nitrogen adsorption-desorption indicate that the products are macropore materials with the pore size of 1-3 μm, and the Brunauer-Emett-Teller (BET) surface area was 14 m²/g. As a typical morphology, the possible growth process of HGMC was also investigated and discussed. The experimental results show that the in situ formed MgO microparticles play a template role during the HGMC formation.