Conduction ESR and Theoretical Studies of Graphite Intercalation by Nitric Acid

Abstract

Results of an in situ conduction ESR (CESR) study of HNO₃ molecule intercalation into highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) plate with width being comparable with the graphite skin-depth governed by c-axis conductivity are presented. The stepwise changes of the intensity of CESR signal from intercalated parts of the HOPG plate is clearly detected during the intercalation. Using the chemical potential vs. intercalation time offered by the authors for the experimental conditions, this dependence was calculated theoretically.

Key Words:

• graphite
• intercalation
• conduction ESR
• HNO₃