Synthesis of novel acceptor–type graphite intercalation compounds using an electrochemical process

Abstract

The formation of new acceptor-type graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) by traditional methods require a high oxidation potential, rendering the methods unsuitable for a number of compounds. Thus, we have synthesized novel acceptor-type GICs through an electrochemical method. Sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (NaMDC) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NaEDC) were selected as electrolytes for electrochemical processing in this study. Constant current electrolysis was applied for the synthesis of these acceptor-GICs. An exfoliated graphite sheet was used as the working electrode and a platinum plate in a three electrode cell was used as the counter electrode. Compounds synthesized in this way were identified using X-ray diffraction, enabling crystal structure determination. It appears that the intercalated graphite sheets exhibit a classical stacking in two layers such that there are regularly alternating electropositive and electronegative planes along the c-axis. It is shown that MDC and EDC–GICs were successfully synthesized through this electrochemical method.