Pore-size-selective control of surface properties of porous carbons by molecular masking

A new strategy incorporating three sequential treatments—selective molecular pre-masking, surface modification, and unmasking—is proposed for pore-size-dependent control of the surface properties of porous carbon materials. The method was experimentally validated using wide-pore-selective hydrophilization. n-Nonane was physically adsorbed for pre-masking, followed by room-temperature ozonation for surface modification. This process was used to introduce surface functional groups into wide pores, while leaving narrow pores intact. This study facilitates the development of new porous carbon materials with different surface properties that depend on pore size. This flexible strategy can be employed in conjunction with various molecular masking agents and surface-modification methods.