Decomposition of Graphite-Nitrate Lamellar Compound

Abstract

The decomposition processes of graphite-nitrate and graphite-bisulfate lamellar compounds were found by the X-ray diffraction method to be different from each other. The first stage lamellar compound of graphite-bisulfate decomposed to the mixed stage of the second and third stages, and the further decomposition was observed as a gradual shift of (001) diffraction lines. On the other hand, the second stage lamellar compound of graphitenitrate decomposed to the mixed stage of the third and fourth stages, and then decomposed to the residue compound directly. The third stage itself decomposed to the residue compound directly. There were no intermediate stages between the third or fourth stage lamellar compound and the residue compound. The decomposition of the graphite-bisulfate lamellar compound seemed to be caused from the decrease of the concentration of sulfuric acid by the absorption of water vapor, but the decomposition of graphite-nitrate to be caused from the vaporization of nitric acid.