Structure model and synthesis of NdCl 3 -FeCl 3 -graphite intercalation compounds

Abstract

The distribution of the elements and microstructure of NdCl 3 -FeCl 3 -graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) were shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that Nd element intercalates into graphite, forming NdCl 3 -FeCl 3 -GICs, and the distribution of Nd and Fe is nearly even. On the basis of the data, a structure model for RECl 3 -GICs was founded, and the characteristic layer distance and the index of interval energy were calculated. The calculated results agree with experimental ones, and the relative errors are ±2%. Thus it can be seen that the (111) face is optimal direction for intercalation reaction of TbCl 3 —LuCl 3 , and the (001) face is that for LaCl 3 —GdCl 3 , because of the lowest interval energy.