Synthetic Metals from Intercalated Graphite.

Abstract

Abstract : During the six month period April 1, 1985-September 30, 1985, efforts on the Program Synthetic Metals from Intercalated Graphite were largely focused on studies of magnetic graphite intercalation compounds(GIC). Experimental studies on the acceptor compounds were directed toward elucidation of the magnetic field-induced phase changes at low fields (less than 500 Oe) of a prototype compound, stage 1 Cobalt dichloride-Graphite intercalation compounds. Theoretical modeling identified the anomalies in the observed magnetic susceptibility with specific magnetic phase transitions, thereby determining the magnitudes of the in-plane symmetry-breaking field and the interplanar magnetic coupling for this model system for 2D-XY magnetic behavior. Theoretical models for finite size effects and competing symmetry-breaking fields were developed to interpret magnetic susceptibility measurements. Studies of magnetic field-induced phase transitions at high magnetic fields were explored in the model donor compound Europium hexacarbide to gain insight into magnetic interactions between the graphite pi electrons and intercalant f-electrons. High resolution transmission electron microscopy studies focused on a detailed understanding of the novel electron beam induced phase change in Lead pentachloride-GICS, a computer simulation of the lattice images in the Lead pentachloride-GICs to identify the molecular arrangement in the lattice and finally on a detailed study of the in-plane and c-axis structure of the ternary Potassium hydrides-GICs. Studies of the electronic structure were directed toward understanding charge transfer processes in ternary donor GICs and acceptor GICs.