CHAPTER 4: Raman, IR and INS Characterization of Functionalized Carbon Materials

Vibrational spectroscopies represent a powerful tool to investigate structural properties at an atomic level. In particular, analysis of the spectra allows us to have detailed information on both the structure and chemical environment of different sites. Therefore, spectroscopic characterization can usefully assist in the comprehension of parameters ruling the unique catalytic properties of metal-free carbon materials, as well as implement the knowledge in the design of new C-containing systems. Keeping in mind these purposes, this chapter tries to provide some insights into information obtained by using vibrational spectroscopies to characterize carbonaceous materials. Intriguing and quite recently investigated systems will be illustrated as case histories to show what can be learned from the analysis of the spectra collected under different experimental conditions. The results concerning activated carbons, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide as well as carbon nitrides or fullerenes will be discussed in order to investigate the effects of pretreatment and functionalization/doping on the catalytic activity in different applications.