Ultrasound-assisted preparation of alkaline graphite intercalation compounds

Alkaline graphite intercalation compounds were prepared by flake graphite, potassium dichromate, concentrated sulfur acid and sodium hydroxide under ultrasound irradiation and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The influences of solution alkalinity, bath temperature and reaction time on the expansion volume were also investigated. The results show that alkaline graphite intercalation compounds were prepared when SO42- and OH− ions were inserted into the spaces between the graphene planes, producing a flake morphology and multilevel structure. At the same time that the interlayer volume expanded, the oxidizing ability of the solid increased. When the bath temperature, the reaction time and the solution alkalinity were at 33–36 °C, at 60 min and for pH = 13, the top expansion volume was 35 mL g−1.