Obtaining Nanoporous Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Networks by Cross-Linking Asphaltenes

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The complexity in the chemical structure of asphaltenes has the potential to be utilized in generating novel materials. In the present study, three different asphaltene samples derived from heavy and light crude oils are cross-linked in a chlorinated solvent. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy was used for the identification of functional groups and aliphatic-to-aromatic ratios type index values of cross-linked asphaltenes. Raman spectra of asphaltenes showed an increase in average molecular dimensions of cross-linked asphaltenes compared to the original asphaltenes without cross-linking. A porous network-type structure is proposed for explaining the structure of the cross-linked asphaltenes, and this is revealed by surface area analysis. It seems that it is possible to cross-link asphaltenes independent of their geographical origin. The experimental procedure here could be applied for similar materials as well. The cross-linked asphaltenes with porous network-type structure might act as a precursor material for making activated porous carbons, a carbonaceous scaffold for synthesizing novel materials in the confined state, and for modifying surfaces of nanomaterials.

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