Effect of graphitization on fluorination of carbon nanocones and nanodiscs

The reactivity with pure fluorine gas of a mixture of carbon nanodiscs and nanocones was investigated. The starting materials were the as-prepared mixture, which results from cracking of heavy oils, and the sample post-treated at 2700 degrees C in argon atmosphere in order to increase the graphitization degree. The effect of this graphitization on the resulting fluorinated carbons was highlighted in terms of structural and morphological features using C-13 and F-19 solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These characterizations were used to explain the electrochemical properties of these materials when used as an electrode in a primary lithium battery. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.