Aggregation and stabilization of shungite carbon nanoparticles

Globular clusters of natural shungite carbon appear to be aggregates formed by nonplanar graphenes through stable aqueous dispersion. The ability of the clusters for spontaneous disaggregation in water and stabilization without surfactants was demonstrated. Due to their size and curvature, shungite graphenes contribute most substantially to stabilization of the carbon clusters in water and predetermine amphiphilicity of shungites. The condensation of aqueous shungite nanocarbon dispersion is accompanied by formation of a three-dimensional network with characteristic micro- and submesopores of <0.7–5.0 nm. The pore structure is distinguished by a changeable sorption capacity due to mobility of the graphene fragments forming the pore walls.