Water dispersible, highly graphitic and nitrogen-doped carbon nanobubbles.

Dispersible, highly graphitic, and nitrogen-doped carbon hollow nanospheres (25-90 nm), termed 'nanobubbles', are prepared via confined carbonization through a silica nanocasting technique. Poly(ionic liquid) nanoparticles are employed as easy-to-make and multifunctional templates, which simultaneously act as both the carbon and nitrogen source. The promising potential of the nanobubbles in oxygen reduction reactions for fuel cells is demonstrated.