The production of carbon particles of different shapes produced by the chlorination of Cr(C5H5)2

Abstract Carbon particles have been obtained by the chlorination of chromocene (Cr(C 5 H 5 ) 2 ). Changes in their morphology and micro-nanostructure have been monitored at two different temperatures. At 400 °C, filled materials (tubes and spheres) and agglomerated round particles are formed, whereas at 900 °C closed-end tubes, hollow and solid spheres were produced. Transmission electron microscopy shows that these particles are formed of highly disordered graphene-like layers, which is confirmed by the absence of the 2D and 2G bands in the Raman spectrum. The calculated in-plane correlation length of these graphene-like layers is 1.2 ± 0.1 nm. In all the carbon particles, electron energy-loss spectroscopy shows a very similar sp 2 carbon bonding content (89–98%) and mass density ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 g/cm 3 , both below standard graphite. Textural studies performed on the sample prepared at 900 °C show Type II adsorption isotherms with a surface area of 694 m 2 /g.