Some chemical and crystallographic studies of graphite

Abstract

Intercalation of some metal iodides and bromides has been investigated. Some of these new intercalation compounds are discussed in the light of their unusually high mole ratio content of the metal halide. Standard chemical analysis and powder X-ray diffraction have been used throughout this study. Correlation between the extent of intercalation and the relative positions and intensities of the X-ray peaks have also been discussed. The production of anomalous peaks in the X-ray diffraction patterns by low temperature treatment was encountered during the intercalation studies. This was investigated with relation to the rhombohedral-hexagonal transition in the structure of graphite. Several possible explanations for the effect of the low temperature treatment, and its possible effect on intercalation are discussed.