Preparation of Monodisperse, Submicrometer Carbon Spheres by Pyrolysis of Melamine–Formaldehyde Resin

Tiny black pearls: Monodisperse, smooth carbon spheres (100–1000 nm in diameter) are prepared via the synthesis and subsequent carbonization of micrometer-sized particles of melamine–formaldehyde resin (see SEM image). The gradual transition of the copolymer to carbon results in uniform shrinkage without deformation of the spheres. These spheres provide an alternative in applications where polymeric or silica particles are unsuitable.