Conversion of a polysilazane‐modified cellulose‐based paper into a C/SiFe(N,C)O ceramic paper via thermal ammonolysis

Cellulose-based paper samples were surface-modified by a polymeric single-source precursor prepared from perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) and iron(III)acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) ammonolyzed at 500°C, 700°C, 900°C, 1000°C, leading to C/SiFe(N,C)O-based ceramic papers with in situ-generated hierarchical micro/nano-morphology. As reference, cellulose-free under the same conditions. Upon thermal treatment, microstructure evolutions of resulting reference sample comparatively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that for all temperatures, exhibit morphology as template, however, noticeable shrinkage curling, particularly evident higher temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements similar crystallization behavior phase evolution both materials. In paper, process seems occur later time. The results provide comprehensive understanding investigated system. It was shown use cellulose-based template has benefit retaining furthermore, apart transforming cellulose fibers into turbostratic carbon, does not change during polymer-to-ceramic transformation, allowing time manufacturing novel morphologically complex parts convenient one-pot synthesis approach.