Electrochemical preparation of graphite intercalation compounds containing a cyclic amide, [CF2(CF2SO2)2N]−

Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) containing the cyclo-hexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)amide anion, [CF2(CF2SO2)2N]−, are prepared for the first time. Stages 2 and 3 GICs are obtained by electrochemical oxidation of graphite in a nitromethane electrolyte. Gallery heights of 0.85–0.86 nm are determined by powder X-ray diffraction, and the intercalate anion orientation within the intercalate galleries is modeled using an energy minimized anion structure. GIC compositions are determined by thermogravimetric, fluorine and nitrogen analyses. The chemical preparation and bifluoride displacement reactions are compared with a GIC containing the linear bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide anion, [(CF3SO2)2N]−.