Inversion gas chromatography in studies of adsorption properties of the surface of carbon materials: Dispersion component of the surface free energy

Inversion gas chromatography was used to determine at exceedingly low surface coverages the dispersive component of the surface free energy γ_s^d for various types of carbon blacks and their graphitized analogs. A comparative analysis of the values obtained for γ_s^d with published data on γ_s^d for other carbon materials (graphite, activated carbons, carbon nanomaterials) was made.     

Surface modification of several carbon-based materials: comparison between CF4 rf plasma and direct F2-gas fluorination routes

Due to their extreme reactivity, fluorine and fluorinated gases may be used to modify the surface properties of numerous materials. In the following, the surface fluorination of some carbon-based compounds (graphite, graphitised carbon fibres, carbon blacks and elastomers) using CF₄ rf plasma technique and direct F₂-gas fluorination is proposed. From XPS studies, the different types of CF bonding obtained in the materials after treatment have been correlated either to the physico-chemical characteristics of the pristine material or to the experimental parameters of the fluorination. Reaction mechanisms are proposed.     

New process for loading highly active platinum on carbon black surface for application in polymer electrolyte fuel cell

The deposition of platinum on various carbon blacks was carried out by forming active functional groups on the surface of the carbon support, and exchanging these active groups with different platinum complexes. Using H₂PtCl₆ solution, an impregnation rather than an exchange takes place. However, using divalent platinum complexes [Pt(NH₃)₄]²⁺, a fast exchange takes place which leads to extremely small platinum particles highly dispersed on the surface of carbon black. A comparison of the catalytic activities of platinum supported on various carbon blacks was also carried out. The performances of Pefc (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) based on the process of the ion exchange are reported.     

双相碳改性硅酸铁锂正极材料研究

以活化的天然石墨为碳源,采用固相辅助回流法成功合成了双相碳改性的Li₂FeSiO₄复合材料。采用XRD、SEM、HRTEM和Raman光谱分析了Li₂FeSiO₄/(C+G)复合材料的物相、形貌及其微观结构;并研究了活化石墨用量对Li₂FeSiO₄/(C+G)复合材料的电化学性能的影响。结果表明：活化石墨以石墨微晶和无定形碳的形态共存于Li₂FeSiO₄/(C+G)材料中,活化石墨用量为5%时所得样品的首次放电容量较高(170.3mAh·g^-1),循环50次后其容量保持率为88.7%,表现出了良好的电化学性能。     

Effect of the form and the parameters of intermolecular interaction potential on calculated values. Henry constant for adsorption of noble gases on graphitized black and the specific surface area determined therefrom

The effect of the form and the parameters of the atom-atom potential of intermolecular interaction, as well as that of the approximations used in its summation over the atoms of a solid, on the values of the Henry constant $\text{K}$₁ for the adsorption of noble gases on the basal face of graphite has been examined. At fixed values of the depth and of the position of the atom-atom potential minimum, $\text{K}$₁ values are only slightly sensitive to the form of this potential, if its summation is performed taking into account the layer structure of graphite. Disregarding the laminated structure of the graphite lattice leads to highly underestimated values of $\text{K}$₁. The values of the parameter $\text{c}$₁ of the attractive forces of the potential (6, 8, exp) for the intermolecular interaction of the atoms of noble gases with the carbon atom of graphite have been determined, using experimental values of $\text{K}$₁ for the adsorption of these gases on graphitized thermal carbon blacks. The corresponding changes in internal energy, entropy and heat capacity have been calculated.The effect of the form and the parameters of the potential function φ of the intermolecular interaction of a monoatomic molecule with the basal face of graphite on the energy φ_o in the minimum of the potential curve φ($\text{z}$), and on the product $\text{sz}$_o of the specific surface area $\text{s}$, and the equilibrium distance between the molecule and the surface $\text{z}$_o, has been studied. φ_o and $\text{sz}$_o were determined from experimental values of the Henry adsorption constant $\text{K}$₁ measured at different temperatures. From the experimental values of $\text{K}$₁ for the adsorption of noble gases, the value of $\text{s}$ for graphitized thermal carbon black Sterling PT, 2700 (P-33), has been determined. This value of $\text{s}$ does not essentially depend on the adsorbate and lies within the limits of error of the $\text{s}$ value, determined for this carbon black by the BET method. When determining $\text{s}$ from $\text{K}$₁, it is necessary to take into account the structure of the solid so as to choose the form of potential φ correctly. Values of $\text{z}$_o should be determined from the atom-atom potential function of the adsorbate-adsorbent intermolecular interaction.     

Suppression of lithium deposition at sub-zero temperatures on graphite by surface modification

Lithium deposition on graphite anodes is considered as a main reason for failures and safety for lithium ion batteries (LIB). Different amounts of carbon coating on the surface of natural graphite are used in this work to suppress the amount of lithium deposited at − 10 °C. Pulse polarization experiments reveal relative polarization of graphite anodes at various temperatures and show that lithium deposition is accelerated at lowered temperatures. Electrochemical experiments, along with photographs, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) data suggest that carbon coating not only suppresses the lithium deposition but also enhances the formation of LiC₆ at − 10 °C. The homogeneous potential profile on the graphite surface attained by the carbon coating explains such an improved low temperature performance, as it allows efficient Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) film formation, which is a prerequisite for safety LIB.     

双相碳改性硅酸铁锂正极材料研究

以活化的天然石墨为碳源,采用固相辅助回流法成功合成了双相碳改性的Li2FeSiO4复合材料。采用XRD、SEM、HRTEM和Raman光谱分析了Li2FeSiO4/(C+G)复合材料的物相、形貌及其微观结构;并研究了活化石墨用量对Li2FeSiO4/(C+G)复合材料的电化学性能的影响。结果表明:活化石墨以石墨微晶和无定形碳的形态共存于Li2FeSiO4/(C+G)材料中,活化石墨用量为5%时所得样品的首次放电容量较高(170.3 mAh·g-1),循环50次后其容量保持率为88.7%,表现出了良好的电化学性能。     

PtPd-nanoparticles supported by new carbon materials

Nanocomposites based on PtPd nanoparticles with chemical ordering like disordered solid solution on surface of multilayer graphene have been prepared through thermal shock of mechanically obtained mixture of double complex salt [Pd(NH₃)₄][PtCl₆] and different carbon materials–exfoliated graphite, graphite oxide and graphite fluoride. An effect of original carbon precursors on formation of PtPd bimetallic nanoparticles was studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was shown that the distribution of bimetallic nanoparticles over the multilayer graphene surface as well as the particles size distribution is controlled by the graphene precursors. For all nanocomposites, the surface of the nanoparticles was found to be Pd-enriched. In case when the thermal exfoliated graphite and graphite oxide were used as the graphene precursors a thin graphitized layer covered the nanoparticles surface. Such a graphitized layer was not observed in the nanocomposite, which used the fluorinated graphite as the precursor.     

Application of thermal analysis to carbon black-elastomer systems

In this study a relationship between the surface and textural properties of carbon blacks and the gasification process induced thermally in air is noted. A temperature jump method was used to follow the gasification in air and to establish the relevant Arrhenius parameters. This can be associated with the activity of ‘basal’ plane carbon atoms as well as ‘edge’ carbon atoms at the surface. This is based on a model of carbon black structure consisting of the irregular packing of small graphite carbon structures. The carbon black surface was measured using a single measurement of adsorption based essentially on the BET volumetric method. The carbon black surface had a rate of oxidation per unit are which clearly indicated that the lower area carbon blacks had a predominately active area of ‘edge’ atoms at the surface while the surface of the higher area carbon blacks had a predominate amount of ‘basal’ plane graphite carbon atoms.     

Development of High Performance Catalyzed DPF with New Soot Burning Mechanism

We developed ZrO₂-based new catalysts that exhibit high carbon-burning performance and superior thermal stability for catalyzed diesel particulate filter (CDPF). Characterizations indicated that the developed ZrO₂-based catalysts function by a new soot burning mechanism different from the conventional CeO₂-based catalysts. Based on the results of evaluations using isotopic oxygen, we supposed that the ZrO₂-based catalysts released active oxygen derived from the lattice of the oxides effectively as well as in the vicinity of the surface, while the conventional CeO₂-based catalysts utilized active oxygen mainly from the vicinity of the surface. By amperometry of the inside of the catalysts applied during the carbon burning electric current was detected only for the ZrO₂-based catalysts. Presumably, ZrO₂-based catalysts promoted the carbon burning by a mechanism that oxygen ion in the lattice of the oxides is transferred to the active site with oxygen-ion conduction. An experiment to examine the carbon burning performance which simulated DPF regeneration showed that regeneration duration of the developed ZrO₂-based catalysts was shortened by 33% compared with the shortest value for the conventional CeO₂-based catalysts. The catalyst was also superior to the CeO₂-based catalyst for the soot burning under the engine exhaust gas conditions. The new high-performance soot-burning catalyst developed in this study was introduced to the market in the end of 2008.     

Carbon black: a promising electrode material for sodium-ion batteries

The reactions of sodium with non-porous carbon blacks have been studied. These materials show a high reversible capacity in sodium-ion batteries. The presence of disordered layers and the low density of the carbon black materials favor the reversibility of the process. A maximum amount of 0.0155 mole of sodium by cm³ of carbon is achieved. The performance of a sodium-ion cell using Na_0.7CoO₂ as the positive electrode and carbon black as the negative is described.     

Preparation and electrochemical behaviors of platinum nanoparticles impregnated on binary carbon supports as catalyst electrodes of direct methanol fuel cells

Binary carbon-supported platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were prepared by a chemical reduction method of Pt precursor on two types of carbon materials such as carbon blacks (CBs) and graphite nanofibers (GNFs). Average sizes and loading levels of Pt metal particles were dependent on a mixing ratio of two carbon materials. The highest electroactivity for methanol oxidation was obtained by preparing the binary carbon supports consisting of GNFs and CBs with a weight ratio of 30:70. Furthermore, with an increase of GNFs content from 0% to 30%, a charge-transfer resistance changed from 19 Ohm cm² to 11 Ohm cm². The change of electroactivity or the resistance of catalyst electrodes was attributed to the changes of specific surface area and morphological changes of carbon-supported catalyst electrodes by controlling the mixing ratio of GNFs and CBs.     

Synthesis of catalytic filamentous carbon on a nickel/graphite catalyst and a study of the resulting carbon-carbon composite materials in microbial fuel cells

The carbon-carbon composite materials obtained via the synthesis of catalytic filamentous carbon (CFC) on a Ni/graphite supported catalyst in the process of the pyrolysis of C₃–C₄ alkanes in the presence of hydrogen were systematically studied. The effects of the following conditions on the catalytic activity expressed as the yield of carbon (g CFC)/(g Ni) and on the character of CFC synthesis on graphite rods were studied: procedures for supporting Ni(II) compounds (impregnation and homogeneous precipitation), the concentrations of impregnating compouds (nickel nitrate, urea, and ethyl alcohol) in solution, graphite treatment (oxidation) conditions before supporting Ni(II) compounds, and the pyrolysis temperature of C₃–C₄ alkanes in the range of 400–600°C. Optimum conditions for preparing CFC/graphite composite materials, which are promising for use as electrodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), were chosen. The electrochemical characteristics of an MFC designed with the use of a CFC/graphite electrode (anode) and Gluconobacter oxydans glycerol-oxidizing bacteria were studied. The morphology of the surfaces of graphite, synthesized CFC, and also bacterial cells adhered to the anode was studied by scanning electron microscopy.     

Properties of anodic RuNiO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>(OH)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">y</Emphasis></Subscript> catalysts synthesized on carbon supports with various dispersion degree

A number of catalysts of the (Ru-Ni)/C system is synthesized and studied for application in anodes of alkaline ethanol-air fuel cells. The carbon supports used are carbon blacks with different specific surface area and graphite powders. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique allowed detecting on the catalyst surface metallic ruthenium and nickel in the form of Ni(OH)2 hydroxide and possibly oxyhydroxide NiOOH. It is shown that the catalyst activity in the reaction of ethanol electrochemical oxidation grows at an increase in the specific surface area of the carbon support. The method of carbon monoxide oxidative desorption was used to determine the values of the specific surface area of the catalyst metallic phase. It is shown that at an increase in the relative ruthenium content from (1Ru3Ni)/C to Ru/C, the specific catalytic activity in the catalysts of the (Ru-Ni)/C system reaches the maximum value near the composition of (2Ru1Ni)/C. It is shown that the found optimum catalyst composition is independent of the carbon support dispersion degree. Activity in ethanol electrooxidation of the (2Ru1Ni)/C catalyst supported on the Ketjenblack EC-600 carbon black is 18 ± 3 A/g of the catalyst (>120 A/g of Ru) at 40°C and potential E = 0.5 V in the 2MKOH + 1 M C₂H₅OH electrolyte.     

The crosslinking of epoxy resins at interfaces. V. Amine-cured resins at carbon and graphite surfaces

The effects of carbon blacks, chopped carbon fibers, and crushed carbon fibers on the crosslinking chemistry of a diglycidyl epoxy resin/m-phenylenediamine system were examined by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The carbon and graphite surfaces were given oxidizing and reducing treatment to simulate the surface treatment of carbon fibers used in the manufacture of composites. The oxidized carbon surfaces initially accelerated epoxy–amine reactions but inhibited the later stages of the reaction such that the final extent of cure was reduced. The oxidized carbons also preferentially adsorbed the amine curing agent, resulting in a stoichiometric imbalance at the interface.     

Synthetic Approaches toward Molecular and Polymeric Carbon Allotropes

Life on earth is based on compounds that have carbon frames and backbones. Today, chemists have added to the world of biomolecules and biopolymers approximately 10⁷ different synthetic molecules and polymers, the structures of which also depend on the formation of strong, stable carbon–carbon bonds. Although the stability of carbon–carbon bonds has been recognized for more than a century, the two natural modifications graphite and diamond were, until recently, the only allotropic forms of carbon on earth that were available in macroscopic quantities and were structurally well characterized. With the synthesis of macroscopic quantities of buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) and the higher fullerenes (C₇₀, C₇₆, C₇₈, etc.) and the exploration of the fascinating properties of these all-carbon spheres, this situation has completely changed. In the coming decades, the design, preparation, and study of novel molecular and polymeric allotropic forms of carbon will be a central topic in chemistry. Research in this area will dramatically advance the fundamental knowledge on carbon-based matter and, as already illustrated by the ongoing work on C₆₀, generate unprecedented technological perspectives. This review surveys synthetic organic-chemical approaches toward the preparation and study of all-carbon molecules and polymers that differ from the familiar networks of graphite and diamond as well as from the fullerenes. We will also discuss the ongoing research on fullerenes with a particular focus on the synthetic approaches to these all-carbon spheres and their transition metal complexes.     

A facile preparation of nanocrystalline Mo2C from graphite or carbon nanotubes

Nanocrystalline Mo₂C powders were successfully synthesized at 500 °C by reacting molybdenum chloride (MoCl₅) with C (graphite or carbon nanotube) in metallic sodium medium. X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and surface area analyzer (BET method) were used to characterize the samples. Experiments reveal that the carbon source used for the carbide synthesis has a great effect on the particle size and the surface area of the samples. When micro-sized graphite was used as C source the obtained nanocrystalline Mo₂C powder consists of particles of 30∼100 nm, with a surface area of 2.311 m²/g. When carbon nanotubes were used as C source, the as-synthesized Mo₂C sample is composed of particles of 20∼50 nm, with a surface area of 23.458 m²/g, which is an order of magnitude larger than that of the carbide prepared from the graphite.     

Natural graphite enhanced the electrochemical performance of Li<Subscript>3</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> cathode material for lithium ion batteries

Natural graphite treated by mechanical activation can be directly applied to the preparation of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃. The carbon-coated Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ with monoclinic structure was successfully synthesized by using natural graphite as carbon source and reducing agent. The amount of activated graphite is optimized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Raman spectrum, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Our results show that Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ (LVP)-10G exhibits the highest initial discharge capacity of 189 mAh g^?1 at 0.1 C and 162.9 mAh g^?1 at 1 C in the voltage range of 3.0–4.8 V. Therefore, natural graphite is a promising carbon source for LVP cathode material in lithium ion batteries.     

The solid state 13C-NMR spectra of some intercalation compounds

The ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of graphite bromine (C₈Br) and two graphite potassium compounds (C₈K and C₂₄K) have been obtained in the solid state. A similar spectrum is observed for all three compounds. The major feature in all three compounds is a very broad upfield resonance. These spectra are interpreted as indicative of an interaction of the intercalate with the graphite π system leading to more aliphatic-like carbon atoms.     

Atomic structure of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite doped with boron

Boron-doped carbon was prepared by the high-temperature reaction of B₂O₃ with the highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). In order to reveal the effect of the boron doping on the HOPG structure, several experimental tools were employed such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). While the interlayer spacing of the graphite plane remains virtually unchanged, the boron doping makes the graphite plane of HOPG more disordered. Both the STM and the AFM studies show that the boron-doped HOPG surface is deformed not only in its bonding geometry, but also in its electronic structure. The overall results imply that the boron atom is substituted for the carbon atom rather than is intercalated into the graphite layers.