Synthesis of ternary graphite intercalation compounds from pitch-based carbon fibers and its exfoliation

Abstract

Ternary graphite intercalation compounds from pitch-based carbon fibers (ICCF) were synthesized. Alkali metal (Li, Na or K) and organic solvent [Tetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1, 2-dimethoxyethane (DME)] were used as intercalates. In the case of alkali metal-DME-ICCF, stage-1 and random stage were synthesized with all of carbon fibers used. In the case of using THF solvent, K-THF-ICCF showing stage-1 and random stage structure was also similarly synthesized. However, Li-and Na-THF-ICCF showing random stage structure were synthesized by using carbon fibers with small Lc size and wide d-spacing. From these results, it was shown that synthesis of the ternary graphite intercalation compounds using CF was sensitive in the steric hindrance of intercalated complexes and crystallinity of carbon fibers, because the texture of carbon fibers prevent the expansion of interlayer spacing. Significant exfoliation could not be recognized, when their ICCFs were rapidly heat-treated at 1000°C. However, miniaturized carbon fibers were obtained by stirring it in HCl.