http://www.css.cornell.edu/faculty/lehmann/publ/GeochimCosmochimActa%2072,%201598-1610,%202008%20Cheng.pdf

Natural oxidation of black carbon in soils: Changes in molecular form and surface charge along a climosequence

Changes in surface chemistry of activated carbons by wet oxidation

Recent progress in syntheses of porous carbons with designed pore architecture has rejuvenated the field of carbon chemistry and promises to provide new advanced materials. In order to reap the full benefit of designer carbons, it is necessary to develop chemistries for functionalizing the porous carbon surfaces. This Review examines methods of functionalizing porous carbon through direct incorporation of heteroatoms in the carbon synthesis, surface oxidation and activation, halogenation, sulfonation, grafting, attachment of nanoparticles and surface coating with polymers. Methods of characterizing the functionalized carbon materials and applications that benefit from functionalized nanoporous carbons with designed architecture are also highlighted.

Functionalization of Porous Carbon Materials with Designed Pore Architecture

FTIR study of the evolution of coal structure during the coalification process

A DRIFTS study of the formation of surface groups on carbon by oxidation

The problems associated with the application of FT-IR to the characterization of coal structure are critically discussed. The controversies concerning band assignments are considered and it is concluded that the strong 1600 cm−1 band can be assigned to an aromatic ring stretching mode that in most coals is intensity enhanced by the presence of phenolic groups. The application of computer routines to the determination of OH and CH groups is considered. Established criteria for curve fitting are applied to the problem. Qualitative identification of functional groups is achieved, but consistent quantitative measurements will require a determination of the relationship between the extinction coefficients of resolved bands.

Michael Starsinic

Papers

Concerning the Application of FT-IR to the Study of Coal: A Critical Assessment of Band Assignments and the Application of Spectral Analysis Programs

Determination of functional groups in coal by fourier transform interferometry

Concerning the 1600 cm−1 region in the i.r. spectrum of coal

FTIR studies of Saran chars

Determination of aromatic and aliphatic CH groups in coal by FT-i.r.: 2. Studies of coals and vitrinite concentrates