Monodispersed and size-controlled carbon spherules are great potential for many applications. In the work, the effects of organic and inorganic acids as catalysts on the formation of carbon spherules through the hydrothermal carbonization of glucose are systematically studied. It was found that using organic dicarboxylic acids, the as-generated carbon spherules show usually better monodispersity, narrower size distribution, and easier for graphitization, Figure1. Furthermore, as active materials for anodes of lithium ion batteries, the carbon spherules produced with organic dicarboxylic acids as catalysts and their corresponding composites with chemically reduced graphene oxide exhibit unique electrochemical properties, Figure 2.

Monodispersed and size-controlled carbon spherules are great potential for many applications. In the work, the effects of organic and inorganic acids as catalysts on the formation of carbon spherules through the hydrothermal carbonization of glucose are systematically studied. It was found that using organic dicarboxylic acids, the as-generated carbon spherules show usually better monodispersity, narrower size distribution, and easier for graphitization, Figure1. Furthermore, as active materials for anodes of lithium ion batteries, the carbon spherules produced with organic dicarboxylic acids as catalysts and their corresponding composites with chemically reduced graphene oxide exhibit unique electrochemical properties, Figure 2.