The catalytic oxidation of irradiated graphites

• Published in: Carbon (New York) 1964-01, Vol.1 (3), p.329,IN21,331-330,IN22,332
• Main Author: Follett, E.A.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/0008-6223(64)90287-8

The distribution of colloidal impurity and its influence on the air oxidation of irradiated and unirradiated synthetic graphites has been studied by examination of thin flakes in the electron microscope. Colloidal particles of ferric hydroxide were found to be strongly adsorbed on to the edges and surfaces of the (0001) layer net planes of both irradiated and unirradiated specimens although a higher particle density was noted on irradiated material. No comparable adsorption was achieved with gold and silver colloids. On oxidation of unirradiated specimens, the colloidal particles of ferric hydroxide were observed to catalyse the oxidation at only the layer net edges of the component crystallites. In irradiated specimens, catalytic oxidation also occurred at reactive sites within the layer nets and resulted in the production of extensive deep pits, the pit density being governed by irradiation dose and temperature. The reactive sites were most probably vacancies introduced into the lattice by neutron irradiation.