Hybrid SnO2/carbon composites: From foams to films by playing with the reaction conditions

Hybrid oxide/carbon composite foams and films were prepared from furfuryl alcohol polymers (PFA) via SnCl2 Lewis acid-catalyzed polymerization and pyrolysis. Structure, morphology and absorptive properties of the porous composites and films were investigated by means of SEM microscopy, XRD, BET analysis and UV-vis spectroscopy. The role of the catalyst concentration and of the thermal treatments were highlighted for both systems. Results concerning the composite foams and films showed that the quality of SnO2 coating was improved upon prolonged thermal treatment at 500 °C. Furthermore, the growth behaviour of the SnO2/C and the electrical conductivities of films are also discussed.