Effective composite preparation between graphite and iron particles by the interfacial mediation of force-activated oxygen atoms

Mechanochemically activated graphite (Gp) and iron particle surfaces were prepared, and the Gp/iron composite interfaces were elucidated to utilize new functions. Activated iron particles with the oxygen atoms prepared by a milling under oxygen atmosphere were shown. Alternately, the Gp particles activated by the milling under argon atmosphere easily agglomerated because of the dangling bonds on the edge surfaces. In the composites, the interfacial bonds (e.g., Fe-O-C) between the Gp and iron oxides on the iron were clearly induced while preserving the carbon atom six-ring structures. Furthermore, the molecular orbital calculations suggested that the activated oxygen atoms in the iron oxides effectively abstract hydrogen atoms from the C-H groups of the Gp edge, resulting in the active bare carbon atoms which can form the interfacial bonds; therefore, the interfacial Fe-O-C bonds for a higher adhesive strength were successfully prepared.