Through analysis of the transformation of carbon sources
including
glucose, fructose, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in hydrothermal carbonization
(HTC) and the adsorption of carbon tubes (CNTs) with them, the formation
mechanism of a hydroxyl-rich carbon layer on the CNT surface is clearly
revealed. During HTC, the adsorption of furan and aromatic clusters
and even primary particles by CNTs by π–π interaction
is noticed as the key condition to improve the utilization rate of
carbon sources and the quality of the carbon layer. The coated CNTs
own a hydroxyl-rich carbon layer with a thickness of several nanometers
on its surface, which provides the ability for functional applications.
With the use of the hydroxyl-rich carbon layer-coated CNTs, a low-acid
aqueous system is established for the hydrolysis of cellulose to sugar.
Accordingly, the cellulose conversion and glucose yield are obviously
improved. The route of HTC for hydroxylation of CNTs not only fundamentally
avoids the use of strong acid oxidation in traditional method but
also provides the useful guidance to prepare functional carbon materials
with application prospects.
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