In-situ template formation method to synthesize hierarchically porous carbon for electrocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

An in-situ template formation method is reported for the synthesis of hierarchically porous carbon (PC), with La and Fe nitrates as precursors citric acid precursor. During carbonization, oxides, originated from metal nitrates, move together react each other to form LaFeO3 particles, serving hard PC. Thus, three types pores are generated in PC through (1) release gases, (2) movement oxides (3) etching particles. TPD-MS Zeta potential results indicate that contains mainly surface acidic carboxylic groups. Catalytic tests electroreduction 4-nitrophenol show PC-c active reaction reduction ?0.445 V peak current 108.8 ?A, which 3 times higher than PC-g, due its larger area especially, richer functional groups, sites reaction.