Sulfur‐Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon

A simple synthesis route to mesoporous carbons that contain heteroaromatic functionality is described. The sulfur‐functionalized mesoporous carbon (S‐FMC) materials that have been prepared show excellent thermal stability, as well as excellent hydrothermal stability, and stability over a wide range of pH values. These materials also show excellent mercury sorption performance over a broad range of pH, much broader than is possible with thiol‐based functionality or most silica‐based sorbents. The superior performance of these mesoporous heterocarbons as heavy‐metal sorbent material is demonstrated. These materials are shown to be stable at elevated temperatures and extreme pHs, making them ideally suited as a new class of absorbent material.