Hollow graphitic carbon nanospheres: synthesis and properties

Hollow-graphitized carbon nanospheres (CNS), also known as nanocapsules (CNC), with inner diameter of 20–50 nm and shell thickness of 10–15 nm were synthesized from resorcinol (R) and formaldehyde (F) polymerized in the presence of an iron polymeric complex (IPC). IPC acts as a dispersant for the formation of uniform R–F–Fe carbon precursor and provides iron catalyst/template for the formation of CNS. The uniform and narrow particle size (<3 nm) of the IPC ensures reproducible synthesis of uniform final products with unique properties. The morphology and structure properties of the CNS have been characterized in detail. CNS is as a promising material for replacing carbon black in high-performance and weight-sensitive applications or for replacing CNT in cost-sensitive applications.