October 1, 2012
Journal Article

Carbon dioxide-assisted fabrication of highly uniform submicron-sized colloidal carbon spheres via hydrothermal carbonization using soft drink

Abstract

An eco-friendly and economical method for the formation of uniform-sized carbon spheres by hydrothermal dehydration/condensation of a commercial carbonated beverage at 200 oC is reported. CO2 dissolved in the beverage accelerates the dehydration kinetics of the dissolved sugar molecules leading to production of homogeneous carbon spheres having a diameter less than 850 nm. In the presence of CO2, the rough surface of these carbon spheres likely results from continuous Ostwald ripening of constituent microscopic carbon-containing spheres that are formed by subsequent polymerization of intermediate HMF molecules.

Revised: October 26, 2012 | Published: October 1, 2012

Citation

Moon G., Y. Shin, B.W. Arey, C.M. Wang, G.J. Exarhos, W. Choi, and J. Liu. 2012. Carbon dioxide-assisted fabrication of highly uniform submicron-sized colloidal carbon spheres via hydrothermal carbonization using soft drink. Colloid and Polymer Science 290, no. 15:1567-1573. PNNL-SA-84746. doi:10.1007/s00396-012-2729-4