Theoretical study of stability of graphite intercalation compounds with Brønsted acids Original Research Article

The instability of acceptor graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) with Brønsted acids is a main obstacle to their extensive industrial use. Electron transfer from the solvated anion to the positively charged graphene layer is considered to be the first and rate-limiting step in the decomposition process, with the ionization potential of the intercalated anion being a measure of the stability of GICs. The effects of the hydrogen bonding and Coulomb interaction on the GIC stability are discussed.