A novel 3D carbon linked by uniform size nanospheres.

3D carbon linked by uniform sized nanospheres was successfully prepared by hydrothermal carbonization method. It is found that the increasing reaction temperature and extending reaction times have a similar effect on the morphology of the products, which could evolve from nanospheres to 3D carbon linked by nanospheres or layered structure. The final chemical structure of the products can be switched from a carbon rich in oxygen containing functional groups type to a carbon network of extensive aromatic domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]