Amphiphilic carbonaceous materials: preparation methods and applications

Abstract

Although most carbon materials are hydrophobic, their oxidation would add hydrophilic functional groups onto their surfaces, making them amphiphiles. In this review, amphiphilic carbonaceous materials are reviewed, focusing on their preparation methods, compositions, and properties associated with their structural models. In addition, a variety of applications arising from their amphiphilicity are mentioned, including organic-free carbon coatings, fabrication of nanoporous structures in carbons, carbon supports for metal nanoparticles, environmental remediation, monitoring of toxic gases, dispersing agents, and biomedical applications.