Production of nanosized graphite powders from natural graphite by detonation

A detonation method for preparing nanosized graphite powders from natural graphite is described. The process initiated by a detonator in an explosion vessel features quick release of energy, decomposition of HNO3 graphite intercalation compounds and the smashing action due to the detonation. The products were soot-like deposits on the inner walls of the vessel, and were studied by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the as-made graphite powders have a perfect sheet-like structure, and vary in the two-dimensional plane at the micron scale and in thickness at the nanoscale. The specific surface area of the nanosized graphite is six times higher than that of the raw graphite. This technique may offer a low-cost, energy saving and efficient approach to the preparation of nanosized graphite powders.