Transmission electron microscopy characterization of nanostructured carbon derived from Cr3C2 and Cr(C5H7O2)3

• Published in: Carbon (New York) 2010-04, Vol.48 (5), p.1425-1433
• Main Authors: Urones-Garrote, E., Gómez-Herrero, A., Ávila-Brande, D., Katcho, N.A., Lomba, E., Landa-Cánovas, A.R., Otero-Díaz, L.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; General and physical chemistry; Materials science; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Physics; Specific materials
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2009.12.035

The preparation, characterization and comparison of nanostructured carbons derived by direct chlorination of Cr3C2 and Cr(C5H7O2)3 are reported in this work. Cr3C2 precursor was treated at 400 and 900°C with a reaction time of 1h. The nanostructure of the products has been characterized in some detail by means of transmission electron microscopy and associated techniques, such as electron energy-loss and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopies and high-angle annular dark field imaging. Remains of Cr3C2 encapsulated in an amorphous carbon shell were observed at 400°C, whereas carbon with higher ordering degree was produced at 900°C. In the latter case, the sample can be described as a continuous variation from poorly-stacked graphene-like carbon to graphitic agglomerates. Remains of the reaction by-product, CrCl3, are detected in the carbon particles, forming monolayers intercalated inside the graphitic agglomerates and amorphous nanoparticles. As a comparison, carbon samples derived from Cr(C5H7O2)3 were prepared at 300 and 900°C. They mainly consist of highly disordered carbon, with local graphite-like stacking in the sample prepared at 900°C.