How can I prove the intercalation of molecules between the graphene sheet?Theory and explanation?
I mean, many papers have reported the synthesis G from exfoliation, and others have also studied about the intercalation of molecules (metal/metal oxide, polymer, etc). What's the difference between the exfoliation from intercalation vs only intercalation (for somewhat purpose)? Furthermore, the gap between G sheet is very small and I cannot imagine the intercalation of big molecule to small gap, and how to control the adsoption/intercalation? Temperature, stirring speed, pH, solvent, condition phase, or what?
Thanks
First of all, the intercalation into the graphene layer could be proved by X-ray diffraction studies where the layers are exfoliated due to intercalation, as a result, the spacing between layers got increased. XRD peak will shift towards lower 2 theta.
Typical van der Wall separation of graphene layers is 0.335 nm. The extent of intercalation depends on the above parameters you have mentioned, including potential.
the intercalation into the graphene layer could be proved by X-ray diffraction studies where the layers are exfoliated due to intercalation, as a result, the spacing between layers got increased. XRD peak will shift towards lower 2 theta.
Typical van der Wall separation of graphene layers is 0.335 nm. The extent of intercalation depends on the above parameters you have mentioned, including potential.
According XPD, we can know the distance of G sheets increase or decrease. From that reason, however, is it possible if we conclude that the intercalation occurs? I don't think that.
In the other word, intercalation => increase distance of sheets => that influent the XRD results. BUT, the only thing we know is the INCREASE of distance, not the intercalation. I mean, INTERCALATION would make the INCREASE of distance; but, the reverse idea is wrong. INCREASE of distance could be affected by various factors, not only the intercalation.
For example, I imagine a system which generate graphene by a non-intercalated exfoliation: liquid immersed to reduce the strength of van der Waals attraction (DMF or NMP) and then, mechanical exfoliated (ultrasonication, stirring and shaking, etc.). In that system, I add useless chemical X which particles is huge enough to CANNOT intercalate. And, X don't play any roles in such system, of course. But, the graphite could be still exfoliated. XRD results show an increase of distance. But, if we conclude the intercalation of X between graphene sheets, it's wrong.
I think one can also just see is there any intercalation or not between graphene layers by seeing FTIR data. If there is some oxygen related group , one can say (by not surely ) that there may be some intercalation. Because oxygen related group can be also at edges of graphene layers so be careful and i will suggest to do XRD also as explained nicely above .
Good luck
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