Method of preparing a mesoporous carbon composite material

A method of preparing a mesoporous carbon composite material comprising a mesoporous carbon phase and preformed metal nanoparticles located within the mesoporous carbon phase, the method comprising the steps:

• a) providing a solution of carbon composite precursors, the solution of carbon composite precursors comprising a structure directing agent capable of forming micelles or lamellar structures, one or several poylmerizable carbon precursor components and a first solvent;
• b) inducing the solution of carbon composite precursors to polymerize to form a dispersion of polymer in the first solvent, and separating the polymer from the first solvent;
• c) providing preformed stabilized metal nanoparticles;
• d) mixing the polymer and the preformed stabilized metal nanoparticles, wherein during the mixing either the polymer or the preformed stabilized metal nanoparticles or both are dispersed in a second solvent;
• e) stabilizing the mixture of step d) by subjecting it to a stabilization heat treatment in the range of from 80° C. to 120° C., preferably 90° C. to 110° C., more preferably around 100° C.;
• and
• f) subjecting the product of step e) to a carbonization heat treatment in the range of from 500° C. to 1000° C., preferably from 600° C. to 800° C.