STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF ELECTROCHEMICAL INTERCALATION OF SULFURIC-ACID INTO CHROMIUM TRIOXIDE-GRAPHITE INTERCALATION COMPOUNDS

Electrochemical intercalation of 18 X sulphuric acid into chromium trioxide-graphite intercalation compounds (CrO3-GlCs) prepared by the solvent as well as the impregnation-dry method is examined in comparison with the process occurring for pure graphite. It is shown that the successive intercalation of sulphuric acid depends on the properties of the original compound resulting from the method of its preparation. To approach the mechanism of the subsequent intercalation the results of the slow cyclic potentiodynamic scans, current-time transients. and galvanostatic intercalation are related to the structural and chemical properties of CrO3-GICs. Basing on new experimental data the model assuming the opening of the graphite capsules, enclosing the Intercalated CrO3, by the cointercalating H2SO4 is developed.