Synthesis and characterization of potassium metal/graphitic carbon nanofiber intercalates.
Direct reaction of herringbone, platelet, or narrow, tubular herringbone graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) with molten potassium gives K/GCNF intercalates with stoichiometric control of potassium loading. Intercalate formation is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy. K/GCNF intercalates act as radical-anion alkene polymerization catalysts and reduce water with stoichiometric formation of hydrogen gas. Stage-1 K/narrow, tubular GCNF intercalate exhibits thermionic emission at 300 degrees C. Stage-1 K/herringbone GCNF intercalate is an excellent thermionic emitter having high thermal stability up to 1000 degrees C. K/GCNF intercalates have much reduced work functions of ca. 2.2 eV with localized emission showing a work function of 1.6 eV.
Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, USA.
Jason A
JA
Michel
Vance S
VS
Robinson
Liu
L
Yang
Senthil
S
Sambandam
Weijie
W
Lu
Tyler
T
Westover
Timothy S
TS
Fisher
Charles M
CM
Lukehart
D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D007364:Intercalating Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D011188:Potassium / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D007364:Intercalating Agents; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008670:Metals; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D011188:Potassium