Synthesis and properties of lithium-graphite intercalation compounds

We describe liquid phase syntheses of stage 1 and stage 2 lithium-graphite intercalation compounds obtained by immersing large pieces of pyrolytic graphite in the appropriate liquid metal at 350°C for 8 h. Pure lithium gives LiC6 (stage 1) at equilibrium whereas a dilute alloy of 4% Li in sodium gives stage 2, the sodium acting as an inert solvent. Gram quantities of the pure phases are readily prepared. The c axis repeat distances agree with earlier work. The room temperature electrical conductivities are approximately 2 × 105 Ω−1 cm− parallel to the layers and the anisotropy factor for LiC6 is about 10, less than for other compounds. Metallic reflectance spectra are also briefly discussed.