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Spectacular Pseudo-Exfoliation of an Exfoliated-Compressed Graphite

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M. Comet , L. Schreyeck , S. Verdan , G. Burato and H. Fuzellier

Laboratorie de Chimie Moléculaire et Environnement, Université de Savoie–E.S.I.G.E.C., 73376 Le Bourget du Lac, France

George Lisensky

Department of Chemistry, Beloit College, Beloit, WI 53511

J. Chem. Educ., 2004, 81 (6), p 819

DOI: 10.1021/ed081p819

Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2004

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Graphite exfoliation is a well-known process in carbon chemistry. An intercalation compound is first synthesized using reactants with strong redox properties. The intercalated graphite is then heated and the exfoliation occurs: a graphite vermicular powder is obtained. When recompressed, this powder gives carbon sheets such as Papyex or Flexigraf flexible graphites. These commercially available materials can be impregnated with an aluminum trichloride/diethylether solution whose oxidation by atmospheric oxygen, initiated by an open flame, reproduces the exfoliation phenomenon. This kind of reaction has been called pseudo-exfoliation of carbonaceous material. This demonstration spectacularly illustrates the layered nature of graphite.

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