Dual CF bonding in fluorinated exfoliated graphite

•Accordion-like graphites were fluorinated using F2 gas.•The particular texture is maintained after fluorination.•The fluorinated exfoliated graphite exhibit unusual dual CF bonding.

Accordion-like graphites prepared by exfoliation of a low temperature graphite fluoride were fluorinated using F2 gas in order to be considered as solid lubricants and electrode materials in primary lithium battery. The present work focuses on the fluorination mechanism of such material. In accordance with their high specific surface area, the fluorination is efficient even at room temperature. Whatever the treatment conditions, the accordion-like texture is maintained. The higher the reaction temperature, the higher the atomic ratio F/C. The fluorinated exfoliated graphite exhibit unusual dual CF bonding. Both weakened covalent and covalent CF bonds coexist. Moreover, the CF bond strength is enhanced as a function of the fluorination temperature.

Graphical abstractAccordion-like graphites prepared by exfoliation of a low temperature graphite fluoride were fluorinated using F2 gas. The texture is maintained and both weakened covalent and covalent CF bonds coexist as revealed by solid state NMR.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide