Systematic changes in pore size distribution of template carbon obtained via chemical reaction between different cellulose precursors and halogens

Simple template synthesis of nanoporous carbon was achieved using chemical reaction between carboxymethylcellulose salts (CMC-M: M = H, Na, K) and halogens (Br2, I2) for template formation of alkali halide nanoparticles as well as for stabilization of CMC precursor. Depending on combination of CMC-M and the halogen, it was found that pore size distribution of final carbon product changed systematically. CMCs treated with iodine and bromine produced micropore- and mesopore-rich carbon composites, respectively. It was suggested that their chemical reactivities dominate the particle size of the alkali halides as the template.