Carbon nanorings manufactured from templating nanoparticles

Abstract

Methods for manufacturing carbon nanostructures include 1) forming intermediate carbon nanostructures by polymerizing a carbon precursor in the presence of templating nanoparticles, 2) carbonizing the intermediate carbon nanostructures to form an intermediate composite nanostructure, and 3) removing the templating nanoparticles from the intermediate composite nanostructure to form carbon nanorings. The carbon nanorings manufactured using the foregoing steps have one or more carbon layers forming a wall that defines a generally annular nanostructure having a hole. The length of the nanoring is less than or about equal to the outer diameter thereof. The carbon nanostructures are well-suited for use as a fuel cell catalyst support. The carbon nanostructures exhibit high surface area, high porosity, high graphitization, and facilitate mass transfer and electron transfer in fuel cell reactions. Carbon nanorings manufactured according to the present invention can be used as a substitute for more expensive and likely more fragile carbon nanotubes.