Pore structure and morphology of resorcinol formaldehyde carbon aerogels by NMR cryoporometry and SEM

Abstract

The study of resorcinol formaldehyde carbon aerogels via NMR cryoporometry, SEM and N2 porosimetry data. The RF carbon aerogels were synthesized using different catalysts and the difference in the morphology, the range of the pore radii and the hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics of the carbon aerogel were studied. This was done via 2 types of probing liquids (water and cyclohexane) to represent hydrophilic and hydrophobic conditions respectively. The main method to measure was NMR cryoporometry via the analysis of CPMG spectra and fitting of the hysteresis between the shifts in the melting/freezing point of the probing liquid. Additional methods of study were also used such as scanning electron microscopy and N2 porosimetry that was done alongside other research groups.