X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of SbF5 intercalated graphite

Two samples of graphite intercalated with SbF₅ have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (x.p.s.). In each case two fluorine (1s) peaks were observed, with binding energies 685.0 eV and 688.0 eV. The peak at 685.0 eV is attributed largely to volatile, quasi-liquid SbF₅ present in the interlayer. The peak at 688 eV is assigned to involatile SbF₆^? ions located at fixed sites in the interlayer, the fluorine atoms undergoing strong polarization interaction with the graphite lattice. Changes observed in carbon (1s) and antimony (3d_{$\text{5}\text{2}$}) spectra are consistent with these assignments.