High-resolution transmission electron microscopy on KHx–GIC's

Abstract

The in-plane and c-axis structure of KHx—GIC's and KDy—GIC's is studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction as a function of intercalation temperature and time. With the TEM, two commensurate in-plane phases are found to coexist in these compounds with relative concentrations depending on intercalation conditions. When the direct intercalation method is used, the first step of intercalation is the formation of a stage n potassium-GIC and the final compound is a stage n KHx—GIC (or KDy—GIC). Highresolution (00l) lattice images show direct evidence for intermediate phases in the intercalation process. These intermediate phases are hydrogen (deuterium) deficient and are found at the boundary between pure potassium regions and regions with high hydrogen (deuterium) content. A comparison of the structure for the two methods of intercalation of KH is also presented.