Process for formation of foliated fine graphite particles

摘要

A low-temperature process for preparing flat carbon based nanostructured material, and namely foliated, fine graphite particles having low thickness and high aspect ratio. The process comprises the steps of: subjecting a particulate graphite to a mechanical attrition treatment in the presence of an alkaline reactant or a mixture comprising the alkaline reactant; exposing the graphite particles to an intercalating solvent to cause the solvent to penetrate between carbon layers of graphite; and delivering an ultrasonic energy into a dispersion of the graphite particles for a period of time sufficient to cause the formation of the nanostructured material. The carbon based nanostructures (CBNS) obtained by this method have a thickness in the range of 4-20 nm and an aspect ratio 500-7000 and various surface chemistry, and can be used as a highly functional graphite material in a wide range of applications, in particular for electrochemical applications in batteries and fuel cells.