Uranyl-sulfate graphite intercalation compounds II. Structural and spectroscopic studies Original Research Article

Structural and spectroscopic studies of a new graphite uranyl sulfate phase are performed. By using X-ray diffraction, an electron distribution pattern along the graphite c-axis for stages 1–4 is calculated, based on [001]analysis; [hk0]and [hkl]reflection analysis allows the determination of the parameters of the planar primitive cell and demonstrates the existence of a three-dimensional order. The Raman and infra-red spectra of graphite uranyl-sulfate compounds are in agreement with those observed previously with other acceptor compounds. Infra-red spectra give complementary insight into the dynamics of the graphitic layers related to Raman spectra: the structural implications fixed by compatibility of those spectra are discussed. Finally, the intercalated species between the graphite layers are identified by Raman spectroscopy.