Synthesis of linear carbon by oxidative-dehydration and dehydrogenation of PVA

A novel linear carbon (carbyne) was prepared by temperature-programmed dehydration of a crystalline polyvinylalcohol (PVA) in a stove, followed by dehydrogenation with a suitable ratio of oxygen to inert gas in an autoclave. The linear carbon was characterized by FITIR, Raman and XRD and a possible mechanism for the preparation was proposed. Results show that with a suitable ratio of oxygen to inert gas and temperature profiles for dehydration and dehydrogenation, crystallinity of PVA is retained in the whole process and the linear carbon as prepared is polycumulene, a β-linear carbon.