X-ray diffraction evidence for the formation of a discotic phase during graphitization

N. S. Murthy, S. O. Dantas, Z. Iqbal, R. H. Baughman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The low-angle peak with a spacing of 10 Å observed in X-ray diffraction scans of partially pyrolyzed aromatic molecules is attributed to the formation of a liquid crystalline pre-graphitic phase that we identify as discotic. This conclusion is substantiated using data obtained for partially pyrolyzed 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA). The crystalline reflections of PTCDA are replaced by amorphous scattering during pyrolysis at 530°C. In addition to the commonly observed amorphous carbon peak providing an interlayer spacing of about 3.5 Å, a low-angle peak corresponding to a 10 Å spacing is observed in partially pyrolyzed PTCDA. Based on simulation of structure and diffraction patterns using molecular dynamic calculations, this peak is attributed to the distance between columns of rotationally disordered, partially pyrolyzed PTCDA molecules in a discotic phase.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)809-813
Number of pages5
JournalCarbon
Volume39
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science

Keywords

  • A. Carbon precursor
  • B. Pyrolysis
  • C. X-ray Diffraction
  • Graphitization
  • Mesophase

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