The synthesis and properties of highly exfoliated graphites from fluorinated graphite intercalation compounds

A series of new highly exfoliated graphites were synthesized from fluorinated graphite intercalation compounds of compositions C2F·xR (R = ClF3, (CH3)2CO, CH3CN, C6H6, CCl4). The exfoliation degree of these materials reaches more than 2000 times, indicating a significantly higher exfoliated state than observed for the conventional expanded graphites derived from graphite bisulphate or nitrate. These exfoliated graphites have increased interlayer distances, specific surface areas as high as 170–370 m2/g, low bulk densities of 0.4–0.7 g/L, and good sorption capacities towards a range of organic and inorganic liquids. The influence of the nature of the intercalated molecules on the properties of the exfoliated graphite is discussed.