Raman spectroscopic investigation of TaCl5-GIC and products of its partialhydrolysis

Micro-Raman spectra have been recorded of TaCl5-GIC before and after a 3 h treatment with water at 95 degrees C and an additional treatment for one mo nth in ambient air afterwards. Pristine TaCl5-GIC shows a Raman spectrum ty pical for a second stage acceptor graphite intercalation compound (GIC) wit h one strong band centered at 1616 cm(-1). It can be split into two compone nts and is always accompanied by a small band at 1590 cm(-1). Hydrolytic tr eatment resulted in a variety of modified spectra. Band shifts, changes in relative intensity and changes in band width can be correlated to each othe r and to different grades of hydrolysis. Continuous variation of the spectr a gave no hint for a specific intermediate product between second stage TaC l(5-)GIC and deintercalated graphite. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.