Dataset of xerogel synthesis in basic medium at different resorcinol/catalyst ratios

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Carbon xerogels are versatile materials with applications influenced by their synthesis.
• Resorcinol-formaldehyde (R/F) polymerization is a key route to carbon xerogels.
• Synthesis parameters, including reagent ratios and catalysts, critically impact material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of varying resorcinol/Na2CO3 (R/C) ratios on carbon xerogel properties.
• To establish a dataset correlating R/C ratios with morphological and surface chemistry characteristics.
• To provide insights into tailoring carbon xerogels for specific applications through controlled synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of carbon xerogels via resorcinol-formaldehyde polymerization at different R/C ratios.
• Characterization using nitrogen (N2) adsorption isotherms at 77K.
• Analysis of structural and chemical properties using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Determination of surface chemistry via immersion calorimetry in water and benzene, and point of zero charge (pzc) measurements.

Main Results:

• The R/C ratio significantly influences the textural properties, including surface area and pore size distribution.
• Surface chemistry, as indicated by FTIR and pzc, is modulated by the R/C ratio.
• Immersion calorimetry reveals differences in surface interactions with water and benzene based on synthesis conditions.

Conclusions:

• The resorcinol/Na2CO3 ratio is a critical parameter for controlling the morphology and surface chemistry of carbon xerogels.
• Understanding these structure-property relationships enables the targeted design of carbon xerogels for specific applications.
• The presented dataset offers valuable information for researchers working with resorcinol-formaldehyde derived carbon materials.