Effect of Group 6 Transition Metal Coordination on the Conductivity of Graphite Nanoplatelets

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) were reacted with transition metal (M) carbonyls followed by annealing and compaction to remove the CO ligands and form bis-hexahapto bonds between the GNP surfaces. The M-GNP films (M = Cr, W, Mo) were characterized with Raman spectroscopy and conductivity measurements. It was observed that interconnection of the graphitic faces of GNPs by bis-hexahapto metal coordination resulted in a decrease of electrical conductivity. The complexes offer promise as catalysts and in the fabrication of new 3-D electronic materials.

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► Bulk graphitic–transition metal complexes prepared by solution techniques.
► Graphene–metal complexes characterized with Raman and conductivity measurements.
► Graphitic faces interconnected by bis-hexahapto metal coordination.
► Interconnection of graphitic faces results in decreased electrical conductivity.
► The larger group 6 metal atoms exhibit the highest conductivities.