Synthesis and Characterization of Potassium Metal/Graphitic Carbon Nanofiber Intercalates

Jason A. Michel, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University
Vance S. Robinson, School of Mechanical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Liu Yang, School of Mechanical Engineering, and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Senthil Sambandam, Departments of Chemistry and Physics, Fisk University
Weijie Lu, Departments of Chemistry and Physics, Fisk University
Tyler Westover, Purdue University - Main Campus
Timothy Fisher, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Charles M. Lukehart, Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University

Abstract

Direct reaction of herringbone, platelet, or narrow, tubular herringbone graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) with molten potassium gives K/GCNF intercalates with stoichiometric control of potassium loading.Intercalate formation is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy. K/GCNF intercalates act as radical-anion alkene polymerization catalysts and reduce water with stoichiometric formation of hydrogen gas.Stage-1 K/narrow, tubular GCNF intercalate exhibits thermionic emission at 300 C.Stage-1 K/herringbone GCNF intercalate is an excellent thermionic emitter having high thermal stability up to 1000 C.K/GCNF intercalates have much reduced work functions of ca. 2.2 eV with localized emission showing a work function of 1.6 eV.