Fluorinated graphites and a process for production thereof

Abstract

A fluroinated graphite having the formula (C.sub.x F).sub.n wherein x is a numerical value of about 2.0 to about 5.5 and n refers to an indefinite number of the recurring (C.sub.x F) unit and having a crystalline structure exhibiting a peak at about 13.7.degree. to about 15.0.degree. in terms of an angle of 2.theta. corresponding to the diffraction at the (001) plane in the X-ray diffraction pattern, a peak in the vicinity of 685.3 eV due to the F.sub.ls and two peaks in the vicinity of 287.5 eV and 284.3 eV due to the C.sub.ls in the spectrum of electron spectroscopy of chemical analysis, two peaks in the vicinity of 1100 cm.sup.-1 and 1240 cm.sup.-1 in the IR spectrum, and an electric conductivity of at least about 10.sup.-8 .OMEGA..sup.-1 cm.sup.-1, and being thermlly stable in air up to 200.degree. C. from the viewpoint concerning a pattern of X-ray diffraction; and a process for producing the fluorinated graphite thereof which comprises subjecting a carbon material to electrolysis in hydrogen fluoride at a voltage of about 6.5V to about 15V at a temperature of about -40.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. in the presence of an electrically conductive agent. The fluorinated graphite has a wide variety of uses, for example, as an active material for the positive electrode of an electric cell, lubricants, stain-resistant and water and/or oil repellent materials, etc.