Аннотация:Shungites could be regarded as a natural source of nanocarbons. Basic structural units (BSU) of shungite carbon (ShC) <1 nm in size in the form of curved graphene cups that stack together under the influence of surface forces compose globular aggregates > 6 nm. Changes in packing of BSU in aggregates provide difference in activity of ShC (surface area, porosity and surface properties) depending on natural and artificial processes undertaken. Thermal activations with steam and ozonization at room temperature applying to ShC increase its total porosity.
Micro- and mesopores were mainly developed under steam treatment, otherwise ultramicropores and mesopores predominantly increased on ozonization. Structural reconstruction of ShC was observed in both cases. The most pronounced effect of ShC activation, namely releasing of the BSU, was reached when it was transferred into the form of stable aqueous dispersion.