Structural state of expanded graphite prepared from intercalation compounds

The structural state of nanocrystalline samples of expanded graphite is investigated using X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction analyses. The expanded graphite samples are prepared by a rapid thermal decomposition of intercalation compounds of oxidized graphite based on fluorinated graphite, graphite oxide, and graphite aminofluoride. It is established that the main phase of expanded graphite belongs to the hexagonal crystal system (space group P6₃/mmc) and that carbon atoms in the structure occupy the 2b and 2c positions. The unit cell parameters and the unit cell volume in the structure of expanded graphite samples are larger than those in the structure of massive graphite.