LAUSR

We demonstrate a unique one-pot synthesis approach to obtain sulfonated carbon nanoplates having elongated hexagonal morphology (S-ECN). The S-ECN was synthesized by dehydration of recrystallized sucrose and sodium chloride mixed crystals with concentrated sulfuric acid under ambient conditions. No additional heat treatment or elaborate experimental setup was necessary to obtain graphitic carbon nanoplates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that the presence of NaCl and recrystallization conditions played a crucial role in crystal habit modification of sucrose during recrystallization. Consequently, initial morphology of sucrose crystals was largely preserved in resultant carbon nanostructures. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy studies showed that S-ECN was partially graphitic with wider interplanar spacing compared to standard graphite. The elemental analysis (CHNS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic studies confirm the presence o...