Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite in Trifluoroacetic Media

Abstract
Electrochemical anodization of graphite in trifluoroacetic media, when performed with a sufficiently high current density, leads to exfoliation of graphite. This reaction has been studied using X-ray diffractometry, A.C Impedance Spectroscopy and gas analysis in various experimental conditions. A mechanism is proposed based on a Kolbe reaction occuring in the interlayer spacings.