The first graphite intercalation compounds containing tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate

Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) containing the tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate anion, [(C₂F₅)₃PF₃]⁻ are prepared for the first time by electrochemical oxidation of graphite in a nitromethane electrolyte. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data indicate that products are of stages 2-4 with gallery heights of 0.82-0.86 nm. Intercalate orientation is determined by using a structure model containing an energy minimized anion. GIC compositional parameters are obtained by microwave digestion followed by F elemental analysis, in combination with thermogravimetric analyses.