Synthesis and Characterization of Potassium Metal/Graphitic Carbon Nanofiber Intercalates
Date of this Version
9-3-2008This document has been peer-reviewed.
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.