Monolith-like carbon foams were prepared via a template method using polyurethane foam as template and furfuryl alcohol as carbon precursor.SEM examinations revealed that the as-obtained carbon foams had an interconnected structure and a large porosity made up of macrospores.The effect of carbonization temperature on the morphology

carbonization yield and volume shrinkage of the products was investigated.The polyurethane foam was pretreated with alkaline solution based on its hydrolysis characteristics.The influence factors

such as time

temperature and alkali concentration were studied.The polymers in the closed-cell of the polyurethane foam were removed and the impregnation ability of the template was enhanced after the pretreatment.The carbon foam with higher open porosity

carbonization yield as well as bulk density could be obtained.The results demonstrated that the pretreatment was efficient and necessary in order to improve the structure and properties of the carbon foam synthesized by the template method.