Patent ID: 8246856
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: B82Y,C01B

Abstract:
1. A process for manufacturing oxidized graphite, the process comprising: (a) mixing concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid in a reaction vessel for a time sufficient to generate nitronium ions wherein the ratio of the sulfuric acid to the nitric acid is 1.6:1 to 3:1 (v/v), and wherein neither acid is a fuming acid; (b) combining the acids from step (a) and graphite to form a first mixture, wherein the acids from (a) are combined with the graphite so that a slight excess of nitronium ion is present; (c) stirring the first mixture for a time sufficient to form a graphite-nitronium intermediate; (d) adding aqueous solution comprising NaClO (f) stirring the second mixture; and (g) isolating the oxidized graphite from the reaction mixture.