The synthesis of binary metal-graphite intercalation compounds using molten lithium alloys

A liquid–solid synthesis method to prepare high quality bulk samples of MC6 binary graphite intercalation compounds (with M = Ca, Ba and Eu) is described. Liquid Li–M alloys are used to synthesize such compounds for two reasons: first, lithium spreads apart the graphene sheets and second, it allows the intercalation reactions to be carried out at temperatures sufficiently low to avoid the formation of carbides. The intercalation reactions were investigated precisely, that reveal the existence of a two-steps mechanisms. Several attempts performed in order to synthesise SrC6 failed. However, all the possible conditions were not tried, so that the synthesis of pure SrC6 using this liquid–solid synthesis route is still unsolved.