Synthesis of a graphitized hierarchical porous carbon material supported with a transition metal for electrochemical conversion

Carbon materials supported with metals with high graphitization and a hierarchical pore structure are emerging as promising catalysts in the electrochemical conversion area. However, the development of a facile method to prepare this class of catalysts remains challenge. In the present work, Ni species decorated carbon materials with high graphitization and a hierarchical pore structure have been prepared by a simple one-pot synthesis strategy. During the carbonization process, Ni atoms can catalyze the activation reaction between CO2 and the carbon skeleton and further facilitate the formation of mesopores without affecting graphitization, which give rise to carbon materials with a foam-like nanostructure. A direct positive correlation is observed between the amount of Ni atoms and the mesopore size. The as-synthesized carbon material decorated with metal species with high graphitization and a hierarchical porous structure can serve as a promising electrocatalyst. This work might provide a path for the design and construction of metal decorated graphitized hierarchical porous carbon materials, which may show potential application in the electrochemical conversion field.