Influences of H2O2 on synthesis of H2SO4-GICs

Abstract Influences of H2O2 in H2SO4-GIC synthesis with natural graphite flakes at room temperature were studied using powder X-ray diffractometry. The results indicate that the efficiency of intercalation depends on a volume ratio of H2O2 to H2SO4. For 10 g graphite powder, mixed stage 3 and stage 4 GICs were obtained with a volume ratio of 1:15, while only stage 7 GICs were synthesized when the volume ratio was 3:15. When the reaction time increased from 15 to 120 min, the X-ray diffraction intensity ratio of GICs to graphite decreased. In addition, the expansion volumes for GICs synthesized under different conditions were measured and are reported here for the benefit of the flexible graphite manufacturing industry.