Highly fluorinated graphite prepared from graphite fluoride formed using BF3 catalyst

Fluorinated graphites (CF_0.47) were obtained by reaction at room temperature of fluorine gas with graphite in the presence of boron trifluoride and hydrogen fluoride as catalysts. Their thermal treatments under fluorine at temperatures up to 600 °C lead to a progressive increase of the fluorine level resulting in an highly fluorinated graphite (CF_1.02). Whatever the fluorination level, a stage one fluorine-graphite intercalation compound is obtained. The sp² carbon hybridization is maintained for treatment temperature below 300 °C and two types of structure coexist for T_T in the range 350-550 °C. Finally, above 550 °C, carbon hybridization is sp³.The resulting materials were studied by ¹¹B, ¹H, and ¹⁹F NMR and EPR at different experimental temperatures giving informations about the intercalated fluoride species, the temperature of their removal from the host fluorocarbon matrix, as well as their mobility.     

Low contents of graphite improving general properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Studies on graphite flakes with a lateral size greater than 50 μm, having a large number of stacked collapse blocks, are neglected and replaced by graphene nanosheets or by powdered graphite, which can be obtained from graphite through chemical or physical exfoliation, as filler in polymer composites. Besides, the production of graphene nanosheets or the purification of powdered graphite uses a high concentration of strong and toxic acids that pollutes the environment. These processes are extremely time-consuming and generate an expensive product. Composites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were prepared via extrusion with graphite flakes with up to 60 μm thick and 700 μm lateral size, in the range from 0.1 to 5% m/m. The quality of graphite flakes was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The increase in the graphite content in the PVDF matrix improved thermal resistance while showed an increase in the degree of crystallinity up to 25% by XRD and 43% by differential scanning calorimetry, approximately. Although the graphite acted as a nucleating agent, the content of the PVDF beta phase did not change. In the composites with up to 2.0% of graphite, a significant increase in mechanical properties, 13% modulus, and 36% in the storage modulus, evaluated by thermodynamic-mechanical analysis and tensile tests. In the analyses of time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance and oscillatory rheology in parallel plates, it was noticed that the increase of mechanical properties is due to the reinforcing effect along with the lubricant protection of stacked graphene sheets, attenuating the stress and friction between the polymer chains. Therefore, even though graphite flakes are inexpensive, that filler without any treatment at low contents are capable of significantly improving the performance of PVDF. This work suggests that these composites could be employed in applications such as electrical insulator with less energy dissipation, and also in oil pipelines, specifically to replace PVDF-based terpolymers or mixtures thereof, and polyamide-11 in flexible risers as a barrier layer, improving their performance.     

Raman scattering study of highly fluorinated graphite

Raman spectra of highly fluorinated C_xF samples (1<x<2) prepared at room temperature and 515°C were measured. C_xF samples prepared at room temperature exhibited two Raman bands at 1593–1583 and 1555–1542 cm⁻¹. Graphite samples fluorinated at 515°C for 1 and 2 min also gave similar bands at 1581–1580 and 1550–1538 cm⁻¹. However, graphite samples fluorinated from 15 min to 10 h at 515°C no longer showed such spectra. The Raman peaks shifted to lower frequencies with increasing fluorine concentration in C_xF. This trend is due to the weakening of the C---C bonds of the graphene layers. Observation of both kinds of Raman bands suggests the coexistence of two highly fluorinated phases, C₂F and C₁F, in the samples. The process of formation of graphite fluoride is discussed on the basis of the Raman spectra of C_xF samples obtained at 515°C.     

A study on the formation mechanism of graphite fluorides by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectra were measured of highly fluorinated graphite samples prepared at room temperature, 380 and 515 °C. C_xF prepared at room temperature showed a novel downshifted band at 1555–1542 cm⁻¹ along with G band at 1593–1583 cm⁻¹. Similar behavior is also observed for samples prepared at 380 and 515 °C at early stages of fluorination, after which the Raman shifts completely disappeared. Raman spectra as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis suggest that graphite fluorides, (CF)_n and (C₂F)_n are formed via fluorine-intercalated phase with planar graphene layers.     

Reaction kinetics of the microwave enhanced digestion of zircon with ammonium acid fluoride

Zircon is notorious for its chemical inertness. Extreme processing conditions such as alkaline fusion (NaOH at 600 °C or Na₂CO₃ at 1200 °C) are used to extract the zirconium values from the mineral. In this study zircon was treated with ammonium acid fluoride (NH₄F·1.5HF) by means of microwave assisted digestion. Reaction times ranged from 15 to 260 min at temperatures between 120 °C and 240 °C. Successive microwave digestion steps, interrupted by an aqueous wash procedure, resulted in a >99% conversion of zircon to the water soluble intermediates (NH₄)₃ZrF₇ and (NH₄)₂SiF₆. Arrhenius rate laws are derived for both reaction control (progressively shrinking particle) and diffusion control by the product layer. Both models show reasonably good agreement with the experimental data. The derived diffusion coefficient corresponds to a solid-liquid case.     

On the behaviour of the dry cell graphite electrode

It is reported that for staircase voltammetric work, a dry cell graphite electrode after wax impregnation and polishing, behaves as well as a glassy carbon electrode.     

X-ray spectroscopic study of graphite fluoride (C2F) n intercalated with benzene

Samples of intercalated graphite fluoride of the C₂F·zR type (R is C₆H₆) before and after heating to 150 °C in a spectrometer vacuum chamber were studied by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The C-Kα differential spectra of the samples mainly characterizes the electron state of carbon atoms in the benzene molecule inside the C₂F matrix. The differential spectrum is distinct from the spectrum of solid benzene by additional maxima, which indicate the interaction between the benzene molecules and the graphite fluoride matrix. Comparative analysis of the spectrum of the heated sample and those of graphite and graphite fluoride (CF) _n suggests that the layers of the C₂F matrix contain considerable regions of both completely fluorinated and graphite-like regions. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 705–708, April, 2000.     

Study of the reactivity of chalcogen hexafluorides with graphite

The intercalation reaction of chalcogen hexafluorides, EF₆ (E=S, Se, Te), with graphite was investigated. It occured only under a fluorine atmosphere and first stage intercalation compounds were obtained with TeF₆ or SeF₆, as well as a partial graphite fluorination. SF₆ did not intercalate but catalyzed the complete fluorination of graphite. All compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopies. Entities, such as TeF₆ and SeF₆ were identified. Others, such as EF₇⁻, EF₈²⁻, …, and possible SeF_n polymeric forms could exist. In all cases, the presence of fluorinated graphite was found.     

Solid-state F and C NMR of room temperature fluorinated graphite and samples thermally treated under fluorine: Low-field and high-resolution studies

Room temperature graphite fluorides consisting of raw material and samples post-treated in pure fluorine atmosphere in the temperature range 100-500 °C have been studied by solid-state NMR. Several NMR approaches have been used, both high and low-field ¹⁹F, ¹⁹F MAS and ¹³C MAS with ¹⁹F to ¹³C cross polarization. The modifications, in the graphitic lattice, of the catalytic iodine fluorides products have been examined. A transformation of the C-F bond character from semi-ionic to covalent has been found to occur at a post-treatment temperature close to 400 °C. It is shown that covalency increases with temperature.     

Potentiometric detection of citrate in beverages using a graphite carbon electrode

The development, evaluation and application of a simple and low-cost graphite carbon electrode for the direct determination of citrate in food samples are described here. The electrode exhibits a linear response with a slope of −29.0 ± 1.0 mV decade⁻¹ in a concentration range of 0.07-7.0 mmol L⁻¹ in 0.1 mol L⁻¹ KCl/1.0 mmol L⁻¹ phosphate buffer solution with a limit of detection of 3.0 μmol L⁻¹. The electrode is easily constructed at a relatively low cost and has a fast time response (within 120 s) with no significant changes in its performance characteristics. The performance of the graphite sensor was tested to determine citrate in beverage samples (juices and an isotonic drink), and the results were validated against a reference procedure. The proposed method is quick, inexpensive, selective and sensitive, and is based entirely on conventional instrumentation.     

Determination of lead, copper and manganese by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after separation/concentration using a water-soluble polymer

In this study, a water-soluble polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidinone (PVP) having chelating functionalities was used for the preconcentration and separation of traces of Pb, Cu, Ve and Mn prior to their determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. For this purpose, the sample and the PVP solutions were mixed and the metal bound polymer was precipitated by adding the mixture onto acetone. The precipitate was separated by decantation and dissolved with water. By increasing the ratio of the volumes of sample to water used in dissolving the precipitate, the analyte elements were concentrated as needed. The concentration of trace elements was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The analyte elements in matrix free aqueous solutions were quantitatively recovered. The validity of the proposed method was checked with a standard reference material (NIST SRM 1577b bovine liver) and spiked fruit juice, sea water and mineral water samples. The analytical results were found to be in good agreement with certified and added values. Detection limits (3δ) were 1.7, 3.6 and 4.1 μg l⁻¹ for Pb, Cu and Mn, respectively, using 10 μl of sample volume. The method is novel and can be characterized by rapidity, simplicity, quantitative recovery and high reproducibility.     

The reduction of thoria with graphite

The reduction of thoria with excess graphite was studied with a thermo-balance in vacuum between 1620 and 1920 K. From Th0₂:C=1:50 the rate of reaction was independent of the ratio of the reactants; the endproduct was always ThC₂. The logarithmic weight loss was directly proportional to the time, and theArrhenius plot showed a break at 1710 K: below this temperature the activation energy was found to be 440 kJ, above 260 kJ. The temperature corresponding to the break coincides with the transition temperature of monoclinic to body-centered tetragonal ThC₂.

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Die Reduktion von Thoriumoxid mit Graphit

Zusammenfassung Die Reduktion von Thoriumoxid mit Graphit im Überschuß wurde mittels einer Thermowaage zwischen 1620 und 1920 K im Vakuum untersucht. Ab ThO₂:C=1:50 war die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit vom Mischungsverhältnis unabhängig; das Endprodukt war immer ThC₂. Der logarithmische Gewichtsverlust war direkt proportional der Zeit, und dieArrheniusgerade zeigte einen Knickpunkt bei 1710 K: unterhalb dieser Temperatur ergab sich eine Aktivierungsenergie von 440 kJ, oberhalb eine solche von 260 kJ. Die Temperatur des Knickpunkts entspricht der Umwandlungstemperatur von monoklinem in tetragonal raumzentriertes ThC₂.

     

Reactions of oxalyl fluoride with electrophiles

The reactions of oxalyl fluoride with electrophiles in the presence of alkali metal fluoride were carried out. In the reaction with CF₃CH₂OTf (Tf=CF₃SO₂) or CH₃CH₂OTf, the synthesis of di-ether (ROCF₂CF₂OR) and mono-ether (ROCF₂COF) was achieved. The difference of the reactivities between these two compounds was discussed from the result of DFT calculations.     

Fine structure of poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes prepared by phase inversion from a water/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrollidone/poly(vinylidene fluoride) system

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes were prepared by the isothermal immersion and precipitation of PVDF/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrollidone dope solutions in either harsh or soft nonsolvent baths. Low‐voltage field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging of the formed membranes at high magnifications (e.g., 300,000×) revealed their nanoscale fine structures, particularly dendrites observed on the surfaces of the macrovoids, cellular pores, and the membrane skin, which have never been successfully presented in the literature. Evidence of crystallization was also demonstrated by X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The phase diagram at 25 °C, including a binodal, tie lines, and a crystallization‐induced gelation line, was determined both experimentally and theoretically. These results were further used in mass‐transfer calculations to obtain diffusion trajectories and concentration profiles for the membrane region, which were useful for elucidating the relationship between the membrane preparation conditions and the obtained membrane morphologies. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 830–842, 2004     

Efficient synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones and quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones from CO2 catalyzed by tetrabutylammonium fluoride

By employing tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as a catalyst, the various carboxylative cyclizations of the propargylic amines having internal alkynes with CO₂ proceeded to afford the corresponding 2-oxazolidinones. In this case, it was also found that the generated 2-oxazolidinones were tautomerized into the corresponding 2-oxazolones due to the basicity of TBAF. In addition, we performed the synthesis of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione from 2-aminobenzonitrile and CO₂ by using TBAF as a catalyst.     

Composition distributions within poly(vinylidene fluoride) spherulites as grown in blends with poly(methyl methacrylate)

Upon crystalline solidification of one component in a homogeneously molten polymer blend, composition profiles develop outside (i.e., in the rest melt) and behind (i.e., within the spherulites) the crystal growth front. The present article is devoted to the detailed verification and the interpretation of these distributions and their temporal development inside growing spherulites. To this end, the energy dispersive X‐ray emission (EDX) of suitable elements has been recorded locally resolved in a scanning electron microscope and evaluated correspondingly. The investigations were performed at the melt homogeneous blend of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as crystallizing and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as steadily amorphous component. If the spherulites are not volume filling, the mean PMMA content 〈?_PMMA〉 inside the PVDF spherulites is for all blends about 0.2 below the starting composition. ?_PMMA increases however slightly from the center of a spherulite to its border. That increase reflects the PMMA concentration in front of the spherulite surface, which increases likewise with time, and is clearly above the initial composition. There is at the spherulite surface, consequently, a remarkable jump in composition from the spherulite internal to its amorphous surroundings. It may amount up to 0.5. With volume filling spherulites, a slight variation of the composition from the center of a spherulite to its border is observed, too. This proves that also at these conditions composition profiles develop in the spherulite's surroundings. They remain however so weak that they do not inhibit crystallization even in its later stages. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 338–346, 2006     

Microstructural evolution during oxidative ablation in air for polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers with different graphite degrees

Polyacrylonitrile‐based carbon fibers with different graphite degrees were oxidative ablated at 500 and 600 °C in air. By Thermal gravimetric (TG), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and SEM, the mass loss, microstructure, and surface morphology of carbon fibers were investigated. The mass loss of carbon fiber increases linearly with increasing oxidative ablated time under 500 and 600 °C. The carbon fiber with higher graphite degree shows higher oxidative resistance, and the surface roughness increases gradually because of chemical ablation during the whole oxidation. A gloss morphology appears on the surface primarily because of physical denudation for carbon fibers with lower graphite degree and then burn off according to carbon and oxygen reaction. The crystallite size (La) decreases significantly, while interlayer spacing(d₀₀₂) remains nearly unchanged. SEM observation suggests the two kinds of ablation mechanisms for carbon fibers with different graphite degrees indicating that CC band in sp³ hybridization prefers to be attacked by oxygen molecule more than that in sp² hybridization during oxidation ablation in air. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

聚偏氟乙烯取向薄膜的结晶形态

本文用小角激光散射法研究了聚偏氟乙烯薄膜在拉伸取向过程中晶体形态及结构的变化。拉伸使球晶形变为椭球,同时伴随着局部熔融与重结晶过程,散射图案由原来的四叶瓣发展为八叶瓣。红外测量及X-射线衍射分析表明,拉伸引起分子链构象改变,使晶型发生了转变。     

Phthalocyanines prepared from 4-chloro-/4-hexylthio-5-(4-phenyloxyacetic acid)phthalonitriles and functionalization of the related phthalocyanines with hydroxymethylferrocene

The phthalonitrile derivative chosen for the synthesis of substituted phthalocyanines [M: 2H, Zn(II), Co(II)] with four chloro and four phenyloxyacetic acid substituents on the periphery is 4-chloro-5-(4-phenyloxyacetic acid)phthalonitrile. The sodium salt of carboxyl substituted zinc phthalocyanine is good soluble in water. Further reactions of zinc and cobalt phthalocyanines bearing phenyloxyacetic acid with thionylchloride gave the corresponding acylchlorides. This functional group reacted with hydroxymethylferrocene in dry DMF to obtain ferrocenyl substituted phthalocyanines. Also chloro substituent in new phthalonitrile was substituted with hexylsulfanyl substituent and its cyclotetramerization in the presence of Zn(AcO)₂·2H₂O and 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol resulted with zinc phthalocyanine. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, MALDI-TOF mass, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence data. Aggregations properties of phthalocyanines were investigated at different concentrations in tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, water, and water/ethanol mixture. Also fluorescence spectral properties are reported.     

Polymerisation of vinylidene fluoride in supercritical carbon dioxide: Formation of PVDF macroporous beads

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) macroporous beads with diameter in the range of hundreds of micrometers were produced by batch polymerisation of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) using diethyl peroxydicarbonate (DEPDC) as a free radical initiator. The rate and type of stirring were found to influence strongly the morphology of polymers, and the results indicated that the shear force was the key factor. A low shear force and a suitable monomer concentration range at 6-8 mol/l were needed for the formation of PVDF macroporous beads. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to characterize the polymer morphology, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method was used to analyze the surface area of the polymer macroporous beads. In addition, polydimethylsiloxane monomethylacrylate (PDMS-ma) and poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl methacrylate) (PFOMA) were found to be able to control the size of PVDF macroporous beads. We propose that the formation of PVDF macroporous beads results from the aggregation of semi-crystalline PVDF primary particles.