Phase Transitions in Graphite Oxide Solvates at Temperatures Near Ambient

Abstract

It is demonstrated that solvent-saturated graphite oxide can be considered to be solid solvate, and two phases with distinctly different solvent composition are found near room temperature. Phase transitions between these two solvated phases were observed using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and DSC for methanol, ethanol, acetone, and dimethylformamide (DMF) solvents. Solvate A, formed at room temperature, undergoes a reversible phase transition into expanded Solvate L at temperatures slightly below ambient due to insertion of one monolayer of solvent molecules between the GO planes. The phase transition is reversible upon heating, whereas the low-temperature expanded phase L can be quenched to room temperature for ethanol and DMF solvates.