Carbon Nano-Fragments Derived from the Lithium-Intercalated Graphite

The preparation and the morphology, structure, functional groups, and electrocatalytic oxidation ability of novel carbon nano-fragments (CNFs) derived from the graphite anodes in spent lithium-ion batteries have been investigated. Utilizing the interlayer space increase, layer distortion and remnant lithium of the lithium-intercalated graphite, the oxidized CNFs are prepared through a chemical oxidizing-ultrasonic crushing process. The spectroscopic results demonstrate that the as-prepared material has nano-fragment appearance, abundant oxygen-containing functional groups and disordered carbon. In addition, it exhibits excellent electrocatalytic oxidation and resolved ability to hydroquinone and catechol isomers, showing potential application in the electrochemical fileds. (c) 2013 The Electrochemical Society.