The Structure of Glassy Carbon

Abstract The structure of glassy carbon has been investigated by determining the interlayer spacing, crystallite size and disorganized carbon content, and by an analysis of the radial distribution function. Glassy carbon has been found to be a typical non-graphitizing carbon. From the analysis of the first peak of the radial distribution curve, it has been assumed that not only trigonal but also tetrahedral carbon atoms exist in glassy carbon. A structural model of glassy carbon has been proposed; in this model tetrahedral carbon atoms form the main part of the criss-cross linkages which link graphite-like layers in a random way.