Thermal Properties of Graphite Intercalation Compounds with HNO3

Experimental data are presented which show that the thermal behavior of graphite nitrate depends on both the stage index and heat-treatment conditions. Complete removal of HNO3 and the products of its thermolysis from stage I–IV graphite nitrates occurs between 30 and 180°C. The decomposition onset temperature decreases with decreasing stage index, which suggests that the guest–host interaction weakens. The enthalpies of decomposition for the stage I–IV graphite intercalation compounds, determined for the first time, lie in the range 3.75–0.92 kJ/mol C. Hydrolysis of graphite nitrate yields oxidized graphite, which differs markedly in thermal properties from the parent graphite nitrate.