Carbon phase-graphite oxide composites based on solid state interactions between the components: Importance of surface chemistry and microstructure

Composites of graphite oxide (GO) with commercial activated carbon and with two carbon blacks of different surface areas were built employing solid state interactions between the two phases. The initial materials and their composites were oxidized in air at 350 degrees C. The samples obtained were characterized from the view point of their porosity, surface chemistry, texture, and electronic properties. The results showed that when the surface of carbonaceous components is rich in surface functional groups and has a high level of amorphicity of the carbon matrix, it chemically interacts with that of GO reducing the surface oxygen groups. It results in an increase in DC conductivity. The composites with carbon blacks are less susceptible to oxidation than a carbon phase itself owing to meager surface chemistry. On the other hand, in the composite with amorphous carbon, the carbon phase underwent the extensive oxidation by the species released from the decomposition of GO surface groups. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.