In situ XRD study of graphite oxide synthesis by permanganate and chlorate routes.

The goal of project is in situ XRD study of graphite oxide synthesis by most commonly used Hummers method (graphite+ H2SO4+KMO4) and using synthesis procedure recently designed in applicant group (graphite+ H2SO4+H3PO4+KClO3). Both synthesis methods rely on strong acids, and nearly impossible to study ex situ by XRD. Ex situ studies of reaction products does not allow to elaborate mechanism of oxidation, especially at early stages. Applicant group recently designed procedure allowing to study reactions of acids with microscopic amounts of powder. Time resolved synchrotron radiation XRD study is expected to aid in identification of reaction stages, intermediate phases formed in process of graphite structure expansion and oxidation, to detect microscopic amounts of impurities. Therefore, fundamental mechanism of graphite oxide formation and differences related to two rather different synthesis procedures will be evaluated.