Graphite intercalation compounds used for electrocatalyst support

Abstract

Intercalation of metal chlorides into fine natural graphite flakes of 2×10^-6m in diameter was attempted. CuCl₂ was satisfactorily intercalated from the vapour phase. NiCl₂ and PdCl₂ were also intercalated from the liquid phase using chloroform solvent. The reduction products of obtained graphite intercalation compounds were used as carbon supports of the platinum electrocatalyst for the polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The oxygen reduction activity was evaluated and it can be seen that natural graphite flakes with the treatment using intercalation technique provide different level of activity from that of pristine natural graphite flakes.