Synthesis of highly porous zinc–carbon composites based on modified pine wood

Abstract

Highly porous materials containing zinc oxide were prepared form modified pine wood. The growth dynamics of zinc oxide microcrystallites in the course of carbonization of pine sawdust mixed with ZnCl₂ was studied. The hexagonal wurtzite-type ZnO phase is formed at 400°С and is broken down at approximately 800°С. The synthesized composite material has a high specific surface area, up to 1900 m² g^–1. The relationships of the porous structure formation in the composite in relation to the temperature and subsequent treatment with water were revealed. Opening of the porous structure of the composite in the course of carbonization of modified pine sawdust is associated with the formation of crystal-like phases of carbon and ZnO.