| Abstract |
It was demonstrated that the galvanostatic polarization of graphite electrodes in a cell with two separated compartments generates simultaneously and straightforwardly, without further separation and functionalization, two distinct sets of hydrophilic carbon nanomaterials [electrogenerated hydrophilic carbon (EHC)], in the anodic and cathodic compartments, respectively. The synthesized products comprise an amorphous carbonaceous material with aromatic sp(2) carbon clusters, differing mainly in their oxidation degree. Surprisingly, it was found that nitrogen is incorporated in the carbon-based material during the electrolysis, which is provided by the N-2 gas present in the air and/or aqueous medium. This phenomenon is explained on the basis that very reactive carbonaceous species are formed during the electrodes polarization, owing to an anomalous high electric field generated along the galvanostatic polarization. In addition, it was also evidenced that ECH materials display a negative charge, counterbalanced by sodium ions and unique optical properties, exhibiting deep ultraviolet emission (ca. 4.1eV), as well as blue luminescence. It is foreseen that these carbon materials will have important repercussions in optoelectronics devices, energy technology (supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells), and biomedicine. |
