Preparation and characterization of porous carbon nanofibers from thermal decomposition of poly(ethylene glycol)

Porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized on wafer uniformly by thermal decomposition of poly(ethylene glycol) with the presence of nickel catalyst at 600 degrees C under nitrogen atmosphere. High purity porous CNFs with diameters of 40-60 nm and a few micrometers in length demonstrated a unique character of graphitic structure and open-edge structure of mesopores. In comparison with other methods for the formation of porous CNFs such as activation of carbon fibers or template method, our method provides a one-step process in which the pores can be created while the fibers grow. Characterizations of porous CNFs found that the disordered graphene layers were generated from polycrystalline Ni catalysts, and the stacking of disordered graphene layers created 3-6 nm mesopores with open edges. Porous CNFs with open edges, which is a different morphology from that of conventional activated CNFs, were suggested to be a good medium for mass transport, while graphene layers may serve as a good electrical conductive medium for the applications of electrodes, catalyst supports, and adsorption.