Effect of the addition of a second phenol on the textural properties of carbon aerogels

Three carbon aerogels (AGC) were prepared using the sol–gel method from the polymerization of mixtures of resorcinol–catechol (RC), resorcinol-m-cresol, and resorcinol–phloroglucinol (RP). Cobalt acetate was used as polymerization catalyst. The porous texture and the morphology of carbon aerogels were characterized by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, carbon dioxide at 273 K and scanning electron microscopy. Their structure and chemical surface were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the addition of a second phenol influences the porosity of the material. The carbon aerogel prepared with m-cresol as a monomer presented constrictions at the entrance of the micropores and lower pore volume compared to that of RC and RP. This fact is possibly due to the presence of the methyl group. Moreover, this monomer favors the formation of carbon fibers.