A Study of the Electrochemical Properties of A New Graphitic Material: Guitar

Previous studies of graphite from the University of Idaho thermolyzed asphalt reaction (GUITAR) indicated two unique properties that distinguish this material from other sp(2) hybridized carbon electrodes. In property i, the standard heterogeneous rate constant across the basal plane (BP) of GUITAR with Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) of 0.01cms(-1) was 2-7 orders of magnitude greater than for BP-graphite and graphene. With propertyii, the anodic potential limit exceeds other graphite forms by 500mV. Two new properties are now described. Iniii, the hydrogen overpotential in 1M H2SO4 exceeds other graphitic materials by 500mV. The combination of ii and iii gives a 3V window in 1M H2SO4, which is the largest reported for a graphitic material and competitive with diamond electrodes. Iniv, effects of air oxidation on the edge planes (EPs) is reversed by mild cathodic reduction and does not allow for electrolyte intercalation. Based on these characteristics and on atomic force micrographs, we hypothesize that GUITAR may be a new allotrope of carbon. Coupled with expected low costs, GUITAR will find a myriad of applications in electrochemical sensors, water purification, as well as energy storage and conversion.