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Molecular-based design and emerging applications of nanoporous carbon spheres

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Abstract

Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made in the synthesis and applications of nanoporous carbon spheres ranging in size from nanometres to micrometres. This Review presents the primary techniques for preparing nanoporous carbon spheres and the seminal research that has inspired their development, presented potential applications and uncovered future challenges. First we provide an overview of the synthesis techniques, including the Stöber method and those based on templating, self-assembly, emulsion and hydrothermal carbonization, with special emphasis on the design and functionalization of nanoporous carbon spheres at the molecular level. Next, we cover the key applications of these spheres, including adsorption, catalysis, separation, energy storage and biomedicine — all of which might benefit from the regular geometry, good liquidity, tunable porosity and controllable particle-size distribution offered by nanoporous carbon spheres. Finally, we present the current challenges and opportunities in the development and commercial applications of nanoporous carbon spheres.

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Figure 1: Schematic and TEM images of NCS.
Figure 2: Primary methods for synthesizing NCS.
Figure 3: Functionalized NCS.
Figure 4
Figure 5: Application of NCS as an electrode material for supercapacitors and batteries.
Figure 6: Biomedical applications of NCS.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project program (DP130104459). J.L. gratefully acknowledges Curtin University Pro Vice-Chancellor Awards for Research Excellence.

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J.L. and M.J. designed the initial outline of the Review. All authors discussed the contents, conceived figures and tables, wrote specific sections and proofread the article. M.J. coordinated the writing and integrated each author's contributions.

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Correspondence to Mietek Jaroniec.

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Liu, J., Wickramaratne, N., Qiao, S. et al. Molecular-based design and emerging applications of nanoporous carbon spheres. Nature Mater 14, 763–774 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat4317

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