Electrochemical synthesis of graphite intercalation compounds in ZnCl2 aqueous solutions Original Research Article

An electrochemical method of synthesizing ZnCl2 graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) in aqueous solutions was studied using chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry. After electrochemical reaction of natural graphite, ZnCl2-GICs with stage 3–7 and/or mixed stage structures were evident from both X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra. The electrochemical conditions for the GIC synthesis and the stage structure of synthesized GICs were described in a formation diagram as functions of electrolyte concentration and applied potential.