For porous carbons, which often have a range of pore sizes, the pore size distribution (PSD) is one of the most important characteristics and is currently evaluated by using kernel fitting methods represented by non-local density functional theory (NLDFT). However, it is a well-known problem that the mismatch between the ideal infinite smooth surface of the slit pore model and the actual carbon surface, including amorphous, corrugated, and defect structures causes errors in the PSDs, especially around 1 nm. We report new kernels for N₂ and Ar adsorption at 77 K and 87 K, respectively, derived from Monte Carlo (MC) simulations based on a carbon slit-pore model that considers heterogeneity due to surface roughness. It shows better results than the NLDFT and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) smooth surface models but there is still a problem. The article explains how to evaluate the exact pore size distribution, including its relation to the adsorption isotherm.

CO₂ capture as well as thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO₂ conversions provide promising ways for achieving global carbon neutrality, and the development of corresponding advanced adsorbents and catalysts is important but challenging. Hollow-structure carbon materials with striking features, including a unique cavity structure, good permeability, large surface area, good electrical conductivity and an easily readily functionalized surface, are flexible platforms for designing high-performance adsorbents and catalysts. This review describes the author's recent research work ranging from the development of CO₂ adsorbents to thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO conversion catalysts that take advantage of the interesting physicochemical properties of hollow-structure carbon materials.

Rice husk was transformed into a carbon-silica composite (NEO SILICA) by using a new efficient heat treatment process, called the Ichigo Si (ISI) system. The system consists of a kind of fluidized bed furnace based on the self-combustion mechanism of rice husk in air, which can be operated at temperatures from 300 to over 1000 °C for less than one second. The NEO SILICA has a thin lamellar shape with a sandwich structure consisting of a central carbon layer and silica surface layers. Porous carbon with a surface area of around 3200 m²/g was prepared from the NEO SILICA by KOH activation. Its pore structure was highly dependent on the activation parameters such as the amount of KOH and temperature. Various pore structures can be obtained by adjusting the activation parameters, all having a surface area of more than 3000 m²/g.