Synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic properties of ultra highly densely packed carbon sub-micrometer sphere chains and sheathed carbon microfiber composites

In this work, we introduce the on-substrate preparation and characterization of ultra highly densely packed submicrometer carbon of perfect sphericity and well-connecting to each other forming chainlike compounds. These carbon sub-microsphere (CSMS) chains are highly pure with no catalyst remaining encapsulated within their core as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy survey revealed a surface concentration of carbon being of 97.68 at %, whereas micro-Raman assessment of their quality showed that they are of high graphitic structure. In addition, the static contact angle between a water droplet and the CSMS chains surface is about 151° indicating superhydrophobicity feature. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that CSMS chains are very resistant to oxidation up to 637 °C. Furthermore, the CSMS chains possess enhanced electronic transfer properties. Given these interesting physicochemical properties, the CSMS chains developed here present a distinctive opportunity for creating novel multifunctional composites for potential applications as high temperature structural composites, self-cleaning surfaces, and catalyst supports in energy conversion such as fuel cells.