Sucrose-Derived Functionalized Layer Carbon with Excellent Proton Conductive Properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Sucrose-derived layered carbon materials are promising for energy storage.
• Synthesis challenges arise from sucrose's structure and pyrolysis.
• Catalytic methods are needed for efficient layered carbon production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize layered carbon materials from sucrose using FeCl₃ as a catalyst.
• To enhance the proton conductivity of sucrose-derived layered carbon through functionalization.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance of the functionalized materials for energy storage applications.

Main Methods:

• Layered carbon synthesis from sucrose using FeCl₃ catalyst.
• Functionalization of layered carbon via Hummer's oxidation and Fenton reaction.
• Characterization using SEM, FTIR, and XPS; electrochemical measurements for proton conductivity.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of layered carbon from sucrose.
• Confirmation of layered structure and oxygenated functional groups post-oxidation.
• Significantly improved proton conductivity, with Fenton-modified material reaching 3.27 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 90% RH and 55°C.

Conclusions:

• Sucrose-derived, functionalized layered carbon materials show potential for energy storage.
• FeCl₃ catalysis and Fenton modification effectively enhance proton conductivity.
• The developed material offers a promising pathway for advanced energy storage solutions.