Abstract
We report a new class of graphitic carbon aerogel precursors based on iron oxide-doped poly(phloroglucinol-terephthalaldehyde–urethane) (T-POL/PU-FeOx) networks. The hybrid polymeric network incorporates a rigid aromatic triisocyanate, tris(4-isocyanatophenyl)methane, which reacts in situ with the hydroxyl groups of phloroglucinol to form a polyurethane-containing framework. Monolithic aerogels derived from this system undergo catalytic graphitization at significantly reduced temperatures (800–1500 °C) compared to conventional graphitization (2500–3300 °C). An oxidative ring fusion aromatization step (240 °C, air) prior to pyrolysis enhanced the degree of graphitization. The resulting graphitic aerogels were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, TEM, SEM, XPS, and N₂ sorption porosimetry. Compared to their purely phenolic analogs, graphitic carbons derived from the polyurethane-containing precursors exhibited enhanced porosity and higher surface areas. Optimal graphitization was achieved at 1500 °C, yielding aerogels primarily composed of 100 % (w/w) graphitic carbon. During pyrolysis, iron oxides facilitated carbothermal reduction to form Fe(0) nanoparticles embedded within the carbon matrix. These materials can find applications ranging from catalysis (e.g., oxygen reduction reaction - ORR) to biomedical applications (drug delivery). Additionally, none of the procedures for preparing these materials caused significant damage to the monoliths, making these materials useful for form-factor dependent applications.
Recommended Citation
S. Y. Owusu et al., "Catalytic Synthesis of Iron-doped Graphitic Aerogels from Poly(phloroglucinol-terephthalaldehyde – Urethane) Precursors," Carbon Trends, vol. 21, article no. 100573, Elsevier, Dec 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cartre.2025.100573
Department(s)
Chemistry
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
Aerogels; Carbon; Catalyst; Graphite; Iron; Phenolic; Polyurethane
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
2667-0569
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 Dec 2025
Comments
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Grant W911NF-21-2-0259