Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) | High-Porosity Carbon Foam | FrankLab
Ultra-Lightweight · 3D Open-Cell Network · High Surface Area · Excellent Chemical & Thermal Stability
Product Overview
Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) is a highly porous, three-dimensional carbon foam made from vitreous carbon. Its unique open-cell structure provides:
• Extremely high surface area
• Excellent electrical conductivity
• Exceptional chemical and thermal stability
• Ultra-low density
• Easy shaping and machining
These advantages make RVC a preferred material for:
• Electrochemical electrodes
• Flow battery and fuel cell media
• Filtration and adsorption
• High-temperature processing
• Biological and chemical reactors
FrankLab supplies high-purity RVC foam in multiple pore sizes and thicknesses, suitable for both research and industrial applications.
Key Features
• 3D Open-Cell Carbon Network
• True reticulated structure (not compressed fiber)
• Fully interconnected pores
• High accessible surface area
• Allows excellent mass transport in electrochemical systems
• High Electrical Conductivity
Suitable for:
• Flow electrodes
• Porous 3D working electrodes
• Battery & supercapacitor studies
• Excellent Chemical Resistance
Stable in:
• Strong acids
• Alkalis
• Organic solvents
• High-oxidation environments (within carbon limits)
• Lightweight and Mechanically Stable
• Very low density
• Can be easily cut, machined, or shaped
• Suitable for custom electrode fabrication
• High Temperature Stability
• Up to 3000°C in inert gas atmospheres
• Ideal for thermal processing and furnace components
Typical Material Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Density |
0.04–0.10 g/cm³ (depending on porosity) |
| Porosity |
97–99% |
| Pore Size Options |
10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80, 100 PPI |
| Electrical Resistivity |
~500–1000 μΩ·m (varies with grade) |
| Surface Area |
Extremely high due to 3D network |
| Thermal Stability |
Up to 3000°C (inert gas) |
| Chemical Resistance |
Excellent in acidic, neutral, and organic environments |
| Structure |
Open-cell vitreous carbon foam |
Standard Thickness Options
• 3 mm
• 5 mm
• 10 mm
• 12.5 mm
• 25 mm (Custom thickness also available)
Standard Sheet Sizes
• 50 × 50 mm
• 100 × 100 mm
• 150 × 150 mm
• 200 × 200 mm
Custom dimensions up to full blocks are available on request.
Available Grades (PPI Options)
FrankLab provides the following RVC pore densities:
• 10 PPI – Very large pores, fast flow
• 20 PPI – Balanced structure
• 30 PPI – Most common for electrodes
• 45 PPI – Higher surface area
• 60 PPI – High-precision electrochemistry
• 80–100 PPI – Very high surface area, low mechanical strength
PPI = Pores Per Inch.
Recommended Applications
Electrochemical Applications
• 3D porous working electrodes
• Flow battery electrodes
• Gas diffusion systems
• Metal deposition studies
• Electrocatalyst supports
Catalysis & Adsorption
• High surface area carbon support
• Catalyst washcoating
• Gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions
Energy & Environment
• Supercapacitor materials
• Environmental filtration
• Activated carbon precursor
High-Temperature Processing
• Furnace insulation
• Lightweight carbon structures
Analytical & Biological Research
• Cell scaffolds
• Porous sample holders
Customization Available
FrankLab provides full machining and OEM customization:
• Custom shapes (round, rectangular, hexagonal, irregular)
• CNC cutting and contouring
• Thickness from 1–50 mm
• PPI selection from 10–100
• Pre-cleaned or pre-treated surface options
• PTFE or titanium holders for assembling finished electrodes
Provide your drawing or dimension requirements for a 24-hour quotation.
If you have custom requirements or any additional questions, feel free to contact us: