Novel electronic structure of the hydrogen-potassium-graphite ternary intercalation compounds

Abstract

Thermoelectric-power and resistivity experiments give evidence for the coexistence of a large electron and a small hole band in hydrogen-potassium-graphite ternary intercalation compounds consisting of ionic K-H-K sandwich intercalants between metallic graphite sheets. Potassium acts as a donor to graphite, while hydrogen plays the role of an acceptor due to its strong electron affinity. This novel electronic structure is accomplished through the cooperation of potassium and hydrogen in a charge-transfer process in addition to delocalization effects associated with conduction electrons.